The topical anti-inflammatory
Sunday, May 24, 2026 · PM Edition
GEOPOLITICS
US and Iran Move Toward Agreement on Nuclear and Shipping Terms
US and Iranian negotiators have reached a preliminary understanding on several key points, including reopening the Strait of Hormuz and Iran disposing of its highly enriched uranium. A formal deal has not been signed, and Iranian leadership still needs to approve the terms. Some Republican senators have expressed opposition to the emerging agreement.
US and Iranian negotiators have reached a preliminary understanding on several significant points, according to a US official. The two sides have agreed in principle to reopen the Strait of Hormuz to commercial shipping and to commit Iran to disposing of its highly enriched uranium stockpile. However, a formal agreement has not been signed, and the official cautioned that finalizing the deal could take additional days. Iranian state media has indicated that some US positions are creating obstacles in the negotiations. Iran's leadership, including its supreme leader and security council, would still need to formally approve any agreement. Iranian officials have publicly characterized the emerging terms as not requiring major concessions on their part, framing the potential deal as a favorable outcome. On the American side, a number of Republican senators — including prominent voices on foreign policy — have publicly criticized the direction of the talks, calling a potential agreement a significant strategic error. The administration has said it is not rushing the process. The Strait of Hormuz is a critical passage for global oil shipments, and its closure has contributed to elevated energy prices. Even with a deal, analysts note that oil prices are unlikely to return to pre-conflict levels within the current year, given the structural disruptions already in place.
Russia Launches Major Missile and Drone Attack on Kyiv
Russia carried out a large-scale missile and drone attack on the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv early Sunday. The assault included the use of an Oreshnik intermediate-range ballistic missile, only the third time that weapon has been deployed in the war. Buildings across the city were reported to have shaken for several hours.
Russia launched a significant combined missile and drone attack on Kyiv in the early hours of Sunday morning. The attack caused buildings across the Ukrainian capital to shake for an extended period. Among the weapons used was an Oreshnik intermediate-range ballistic missile — a relatively new system that has now been used only three times since the war began. The deployment of the Oreshnik is notable because of its speed and the difficulty of intercepting it with existing air defense systems. The attack is one of the larger strikes on the capital in recent months and comes as diplomatic activity involving the broader conflict continues. Ukraine has not released full details of damage or casualties from the attack.
Strait of Hormuz Reopening Timeline Remains Uncertain Despite Preliminary Iran Deal
Even as US and Iranian negotiators approach a preliminary agreement, the timeline for reopening the Strait of Hormuz to normal shipping remains unclear. Without a signed formal deal, it is uncertain when commercial traffic will resume or when oil prices will begin to ease. Analysts note that US fuel prices are unlikely to return to pre-conflict levels in 2026 regardless of when a deal is finalized.
The Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global oil shipments, remains closed to normal commercial traffic as US and Iranian negotiators work toward a formal agreement. Even with a preliminary understanding in place, analysts say the details of any reopening arrangement have not been settled, leaving shipping companies and energy markets without a clear timeline. The closure of the strait has been a significant driver of elevated oil and fuel prices in the United States and globally. US retail gasoline prices had averaged around three dollars per gallon nationally before the conflict began, and energy analysts say that benchmark is unlikely to be reached again within 2026, even if a deal is signed promptly. The structural disruptions to supply chains, insurance markets, and refinery operations built up over the course of the conflict mean that price normalization will take time beyond any diplomatic agreement.
ECONOMY
Trump Tariffs Put Future of Detroit Automakers in Canada in Question
US tariffs on imported goods have placed significant pressure on the deeply integrated US-Canada automotive manufacturing relationship. Detroit-based automakers have long operated cross-border supply chains that depend on open trade between the two countries. Industry observers say the current trade environment puts that model at risk.
The United States and Canada have maintained a tightly integrated automotive manufacturing system for decades, with parts and vehicles crossing the border multiple times during production. Detroit-based automakers pioneered this open-trade model, and it has supported jobs and industrial capacity on both sides of the border. The tariffs introduced by the current US administration have introduced new costs and uncertainty into that arrangement, and manufacturers are reassessing their supply chains and production locations as a result. Canada's auto sector, centered largely in Ontario, is particularly exposed to these changes. The situation represents one of the more concrete economic consequences of the broader US trade policy shift, with effects felt in both countries. Decisions about where to manufacture vehicles going forward may reshape the geography of North American auto production in lasting ways.
DOMESTIC POLICY
US Expands Ebola Entry Screening to Atlanta-Area Airport
The CDC has added Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport to the list of US airports conducting Ebola screening for arriving travelers. Dulles International Airport in Virginia was designated earlier this week for the same purpose. The screening expansions are part of the US response to an active Ebola outbreak centered in Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has expanded its Ebola entry screening program to include the Atlanta-area airport, adding to the capacity already established at Dulles International Airport in Virginia earlier this week. The Department of Homeland Security has directed certain international flights carrying travelers from affected regions to arrive at designated screening airports. The measures are a response to an active Ebola outbreak that the World Health Organization has described as spreading rapidly in Uganda. At least three additional cases were confirmed in Uganda in recent days. An American physician who contracted the virus while working in the Democratic Republic of Congo was transported to Germany for treatment and is reported to be in critical condition. Public health experts have noted that some of the quarantine measures being implemented by the current administration go beyond standard protocols, though the entry screening itself is a common tool for managing infectious disease at the border.
HHS Secretary's Statements on Antidepressants Draw Concern from Psychiatric Community
HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s public push to reduce reliance on antidepressant medications has become a prominent topic in the psychiatric field. Clinicians attending a major annual psychiatric conference have expressed concern that the messaging could discourage patients from seeking or continuing treatment. Some mental health professionals worry the statements may affect prescribing norms.
Remarks by HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. calling for reduced use of antidepressant medications have generated significant discussion within the psychiatric profession. The issue emerged as a central topic at a major annual psychiatry conference, where clinicians debated the potential effects of the secretary's public statements on patient behavior and prescribing practices. Some mental health professionals expressed concern that patients currently on antidepressants might discontinue treatment without medical guidance, and that others who could benefit from medication might avoid seeking it. The secretary has not announced specific regulatory action targeting antidepressants, but his statements carry institutional weight given his role overseeing federal health agencies. Mental health advocates have emphasized that decisions about antidepressant use should be made between patients and their treating clinicians based on individual medical circumstances.
Two Minnesota Providers Charged in $46 Million Medicaid Fraud Involving Autism Therapy Clinics
The Justice Department has charged two autism therapy providers in Minnesota in connection with an alleged $46 million Medicaid fraud scheme. Prosecutors allege the clinics used fabricated diagnoses and payments to parents to enroll children in unnecessary treatment. The case is part of broader scrutiny of the rapidly growing applied behavior analysis therapy industry.
Federal prosecutors have charged two autism therapy clinic operators in Minnesota with Medicaid fraud totaling an alleged $46 million. According to the Justice Department, the clinics are accused of using false autism diagnoses and financial incentives paid to parents to bring children into treatment programs. The charges are part of wider federal attention on the applied behavior analysis therapy industry, which has grown substantially in recent years and is heavily funded through Medicaid. A separate investigative report has found that the broader industry frequently prescribes intensive treatment schedules — sometimes as many as 40 hours per week — to young children, raising questions about whether such levels of therapy are clinically warranted in all cases. The charges are allegations and have not been adjudicated. The Justice Department has indicated it is continuing to examine practices across the sector.
SCIENCE & HEALTH
Ebola Outbreak Spreading in Uganda; American Doctor in Critical Condition in Germany
Uganda has confirmed at least three additional Ebola cases as the World Health Organization reports the outbreak is expanding rapidly. An American physician who contracted the virus in the Democratic Republic of Congo is receiving treatment in Germany and is in critical condition. The outbreak has prompted travel screening measures at US airports.
Uganda's health authorities have confirmed at least three new Ebola cases, and the World Health Organization has stated the outbreak is spreading rapidly. The current outbreak involves activity in both Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. An American doctor who contracted the virus while working in the DRC has been medically evacuated to Germany, where they are reported to be critically ill. In response to the outbreak, the United States has expanded entry screening to multiple major airports, directing certain international flights to arrive at designated facilities equipped for health screening. The Ebola virus causes severe illness and can be transmitted through direct contact with the bodily fluids of infected individuals. The WHO and affected governments are coordinating a response, including contact tracing and isolation of confirmed cases.
Measles Outbreak in Bangladesh Has Killed More Than 500 Children, Triggering Emergency Vaccination Drive
A measles outbreak in Bangladesh has killed at least 86 children from confirmed infections, with an additional 426 deaths from suspected measles cases, bringing the total to more than 500. Over 8,000 infections have been confirmed, with another 60,000 suspected cases. Authorities have launched an emergency vaccination campaign in response.
Bangladesh is experiencing a significant measles outbreak that has resulted in more than 500 deaths among children, combining confirmed and suspected cases. At least 86 deaths have been linked to confirmed measles infections, while another 426 children died from symptoms consistent with the disease. Confirmed case counts exceed 8,000, and authorities estimate an additional 60,000 suspected infections have occurred. Measles is a highly contagious viral disease preventable by vaccination. The scale of the outbreak reflects gaps in vaccination coverage in affected areas. Bangladeshi health authorities have launched an emergency immunization campaign to contain the spread. The outbreak has drawn international attention given its size and the concentration of child fatalities. Global health organizations have emphasized the importance of maintaining high vaccination rates to prevent similar outbreaks elsewhere.
Experimental Weight-Loss Drug Retatrutide Shows Significant Results in Clinical Trial
Eli Lilly has reported that participants in a large clinical trial of its experimental drug retatrutide lost an average of 28 percent of their body weight after 80 weeks of treatment. The results appear to exceed those seen with currently available weight-loss medications. The drug has not yet received regulatory approval.
Pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly has published results from a substantial clinical trial of retatrutide, an experimental injectable weight-loss drug. Participants in the trial lost an average of 28 percent of their body weight over an 80-week treatment period. That figure is notably higher than the weight loss typically observed with existing approved medications in the same class, including other GLP-1 receptor agonists currently on the market. Retatrutide works by targeting multiple hormonal pathways involved in appetite and metabolism. The drug has not yet been approved by the Food and Drug Administration, and further regulatory review will be required before it can become available to patients. The results are considered significant in the field of obesity medicine, where demand for effective treatments has grown substantially. Eli Lilly is one of several pharmaceutical companies actively developing drugs in this category.
TECHNOLOGY
SpaceX Completes Mostly Successful First Flight of Starship Version 3
SpaceX conducted the first test flight of the third version of its Starship rocket, with results described as mostly successful. The vehicle has not yet demonstrated the ability to reach low-Earth orbit, and further testing is planned. The flight represents continued development of the rocket system intended for long-distance space travel.
SpaceX carried out the inaugural test flight of Starship Version 3, the latest iteration of its large rocket system. The flight was described as mostly successful, though the vehicle remains a work in progress and has not yet achieved all the milestones required to demonstrate full operational capability. Reaching low-Earth orbit is among the objectives that have not yet been accomplished with this version of the rocket. SpaceX has been developing Starship for use in a range of missions, including lunar landings under contract with NASA and the company's longer-term ambitions for deep-space travel. The test program involves iterative flights that progressively validate new hardware and systems. The company's investor prospectus, filed in connection with a potential public offering, has highlighted Starship as central to its commercial and exploratory plans.
SpaceX Files for Public Offering, Disclosing Finances and Mars Colonization Plans
SpaceX has filed an investor prospectus in connection with a potential public offering, valuing the company at approximately $1.75 trillion. The filing discloses financial details and outlines the company's ambition to establish a colony on Mars. Founder Elon Musk has structured the offering to retain personal control of the company.
SpaceX has filed a formal prospectus with investors as it moves toward a potential public stock offering. The filing values the company at approximately 1.75 trillion dollars, which would make it one of the largest public offerings on record. The document outlines the company's financial position and describes its long-term ambition to colonize Mars as a core strategic goal. Founder Elon Musk has designed the offering structure to preserve his control over the company. The prospectus also includes references to Grok, the artificial intelligence system developed by a separate Musk-affiliated company, noting the technology as part of the broader ecosystem. The filing provides the most detailed public look yet at SpaceX's finances, which have previously been largely undisclosed given the company's private status. Starship, the large rocket currently in development, is described as central to the company's future commercial plans.
Cybersecurity Engineering Roles Expand as AI Generates New Code and Security Concerns
Demand for cybersecurity engineers is increasing as artificial intelligence tools produce large volumes of new software code, creating a broader surface area for potential vulnerabilities. New AI models have also introduced their own security considerations that require specialized expertise. The trend represents one area of employment growth associated with AI expansion.
As artificial intelligence tools become more widely used in software development, the volume of new code being generated has grown substantially. That growth has in turn expanded the number of potential security vulnerabilities that organizations need to monitor and defend. Security engineers with expertise in identifying and addressing those vulnerabilities are seeing increased demand across industries. In addition to code-related risks, new AI models themselves have introduced novel security considerations, including concerns about how they can be accessed, manipulated, or used in ways that create organizational exposure. Cybersecurity is one of the fields where AI's expansion appears to be generating employment growth rather than displacement, as the technology's proliferation creates new problems that require human expertise to address. Demand has been particularly strong for engineers who can work at the intersection of AI systems and security architecture.
SPORTS
George Russell Takes Pole Position for Canadian Grand Prix
George Russell secured pole position for the Canadian Grand Prix with a late qualifying lap, edging out Mercedes teammate Kimi Antonelli and McLaren's Lando Norris. The result gives Russell the grid advantage heading into Sunday's race in Montreal.
George Russell claimed pole position for the Canadian Grand Prix during Saturday qualifying in Montreal. Russell posted his fastest lap in the final moments of the session, finishing ahead of his Mercedes teammate Kimi Antonelli and McLaren driver Lando Norris. The result places Russell at the front of the grid for Sunday's race. The qualifying session was competitive throughout, with multiple drivers close on pace. Russell's late effort was the decisive moment, denying his younger teammate what would have been a significant qualifying result. The Canadian Grand Prix is a traditional stop on the Formula 1 calendar and is held at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve on the Île Notre-Dame.
French Open Opens with First-Round Results Across Men's and Women's Draws
The French Open began its first round at Roland Garros, with several notable results across both draws. Ukrainian player Marta Kostyuk advanced in an emotionally difficult match following a missile strike near her parents' home. Alexander Zverev won comfortably in the men's draw.
The French Open tennis tournament opened at Roland Garros with first-round matches across the men's and women's draws. Ukrainian player Marta Kostyuk won her opening match, which she described as one of the most difficult of her career. Kostyuk spoke publicly about a missile strike that occurred near her parents' home around the time of the match. Alexander Zverev moved through his first-round match without difficulty. In women's play, British player Fran Jones won at a Grand Slam for the first time, defeating a seeded opponent in three sets. The clay-court major runs for approximately two weeks and is considered one of the most physically demanding tournaments on the tennis calendar.
NASCAR Driver Kyle Busch Dies of Sepsis Following Pneumonia Complications
NASCAR driver Kyle Busch has died after severe pneumonia progressed into sepsis, according to a statement from his family. The family described the complications as rapid and overwhelming. Busch was a prominent figure in stock car racing with multiple championships over his career.
Kyle Busch, a professional NASCAR driver and multiple champion in stock car racing, has died. His family released a statement indicating that Busch developed severe pneumonia that subsequently progressed into sepsis, resulting in complications that were rapid and overwhelming. Sepsis is a life-threatening condition in which the body's response to infection causes damage to its own tissues and organs. It can develop quickly and is difficult to treat once it reaches advanced stages. Busch competed at the highest level of NASCAR for many years, winning championships and numerous races across multiple series. He was widely regarded as one of the most accomplished drivers of his generation. His death has prompted tributes from across the motorsports community.