Balm Sources — Wednesday, October 28, 2026 PM

1

Student-Led Movement Ends 14-Year Rule of Serbia's Dominant Party in Election

Fox News World — “Serbia’s student movement topples Vucic’s party after 14 years, but political agenda remains unclear”

2

Federal Reserve Holds Interest Rates Steady; Plans to Reduce Number of Annual Rate Meetings

The Guardian — “Fed holds interest rates steady in last decision before midterms ”
The New York Times — “Fed Will Hold Fewer Rate-Setting Meetings Starting Next Year”
The New York Times — “Takeaways from Warsh’s news conference.”
NPR News — “Fed holds interest rates steady even as inflation remains stubborn”
PBS NewsHour — “News Wrap: Fed holds interest rates unchanged as inflation remains elevated”
Federal Reserve — “Federal Reserve issues FOMC statement”

3

NOAA Budget Cuts Reduce U.S. Capacity to Forecast and Respond to El Niño

The Guardian — “Trump’s cuts have exposed US to ‘cascade’ of El Niño dangers, experts warn”
Guardian Environment — “Trump’s cuts have exposed US to ‘cascade’ of El Niño dangers, experts warn”

4

Federal Judge Rejects DOJ Request to Segregate California Ballots; Election Official Describes Threats

The Guardian — “Judge rebuffs Trump DoJ’s bid to order California to set aside 20,000 ballots”
The Guardian — “California election official says federal agents threatened him over ‘voter fraud’”

5

HHS Overrides FDA to Allow Compounding Pharmacies to Produce Six Unapproved Peptide Injections

The New York Times — “Kennedy to Allow Broad Use of Unapproved Peptide Injections”
NPR News — “Trump administration will allow pharmacies to make popular peptides”

6

AI Tools Uncovering Large Numbers of Software Security Flaws, Creating Pressure to Patch

The New York Times — “Silicon Valley Is Grappling With a Flood of Bugs Found by A.I.”

7

Microsoft Reports 32% Profit Increase Despite Sharply Higher Capital Spending

The New York Times — “Microsoft’s Profit Jumps 32% Despite Big Increase in Spending”

8

Apple Introduces First Touch-Screen MacBook Pro

9

Record High Tides Flood Coastal Communities from San Diego to San Francisco Bay Area

The Guardian — “Record-breaking high tides spark chaos – and kayak commutes – across California”
Guardian Environment — “Record-breaking high tides spark chaos – and kayak commutes – across California”
Guardian Environment — “Aerial video shows California flooding amid ‘record-breaking tides’ – video”