Friday, September 18, 2026

Wednesday, the U.S. Federal Reserve decided to raise its benchmark interest rates by a quarter of a point to a range of three point seventy-five percent to four percent.

This is the first time the Reserve has raised its rates in three years.

Though President Trump criticized the Reserve's decision, they aim to curb the constant inflation caused by the war in Iran.

In related news, amid international tensions in the Middle East, Oman reported an attack on a tanker in the Strait of Hormuz, resulting in the disappearance of two sailors.

This attack is not an isolated incident.

The International Maritime Organization says at least twenty-two seafarers have been killed in seventy-nine confirmed incidents since the start of the U.S. and Israel's war with Iran.

Tuesday, the Supreme Court rejected Trump's attempt to limit mail-in ballots at midterm elections.

In a seven to two decision, the justices found that the United States Postal Service has a proper legal plan to deliver mail-in ballots from eligible voters, meaning the status quo for mail-in ballots in this November's election will remain.

Despite the bipartisan ruling and mail-in voters spanning the political spectrum, Trump called the court's decision a, quote, big loss for Republicans, unquote.

This week, Congress has faced political deadlock amidst clamor for legislative interference in the generative AI industry.

While some politicians, including Trump, have called the industry's development necessary to compete with Chinese AI companies, many representatives on both sides of the aisle want to act.

The Chinese government seemed altogether less likely to restrict its AI industry, as Chinese President Xi recently called warnings from Anthropic CEO, quote, fear-mongering, unquote.

Amidst the decision of Chinese-American technology competition, the Trump administration will host a state dinner for President Xi September 24th, with OpenAI CEO Sam Altman to attend.

Finally, European Union Chief Ursula von der Leyen announced a plan for Canada to become the EU's first associate member amid a trade war with America and push for closer ties with Europe.

At present, it is not clear what rights Canada would have in the EU as an associate member, but pending unanimous approval from the permanent members, the relationship would likely focus on collaborative efforts on the environment, technology, trade, and the Arctic.