Your brief - 24h (17 articles)

Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson temporarily blocked a lower court ruling that required the Trump administration to fully fund Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for November, citing the need for the appeals court to decide on the matter. Multiple states have begun releasing the benefits, but uncertainty persists as legal battles continue. The administration has argued that the government shutdown left it without funding to fulfill the payments. Meanwhile, community organizations and restaurants have stepped in to alleviate the burden on impacted families, showcasing significant grassroots resilience. States like Massachusetts have reported distributing delayed benefits, but the broader implications of the partial SNAP funding remain concerning for low-income families. The Guardian Wall Street Journal (politics) Source 35 Source 37

President Donald Trump ordered the Department of Justice (DOJ) to investigate foreign-owned meatpacking companies, accusing them of price manipulation that has impacted beef costs. Trump alleged that these companies are artificially inflating prices, jeopardizing both consumer interests and the U.S. food supply. This move comes as the administration faces criticism over rising costs of living, a major issue highlighted in recent electoral losses for the Republican Party. While the investigation aims to uncover potential collusion or monopolistic practices, analysts note that broader factors, including drought and reduced cattle herds, also contribute to the price surge. Source 20 Source 24 Source 36

Intellia Therapeutics, a leader in CRISPR gene-editing, faced a setback as a patient in a clinical trial died from liver complications. The patient's death raises regulatory challenges for the company, as U.S. authorities may hesitate to approve the continuation of trials. Intellia's stock dropped by 23% following the announcement. Experts emphasize that liver issues are a known risk in gene therapies, but the heightened scrutiny could impact investor confidence and the broader biotech sector's momentum. Source 34

The Nasdaq recorded its worst week since 2018, with tech stocks, particularly those in the artificial intelligence (AI) sector, driving the decline. According to the Wall Street Journal, the sell-off reflects market skepticism about overvalued tech companies and their ability to sustain growth projections. Industry experts suggest that while AI has transformative potential, recent stock corrections underline the need for cautious evaluation of speculative investments in the sector. The Guardian

Brookfield Asset Management is reportedly focusing on artificial intelligence (AI) as part of its latest infrastructure investment strategy, aiming to capitalize on the technology's transformative potential across industries. The firm recently secured over $30 billion in fundraising, illustrating strong investor appetite for innovative and forward-looking sectors. Analysts note that Brookfield’s move aligns with a broader trend of institutional investors increasingly directing capital toward AI-driven ventures. Source 40

Cornell University finalized a $60 million settlement with the federal government to restore previously frozen research funds. The Trump administration had halted funding amid allegations of racial discrimination on campus and concerns over the use of race in admissions policies. Cornell agreed to share anonymized admissions data and implement anti-discrimination training but also preserved its commitment to academic freedom. This agreement reflects the administration's broader push to influence higher education policies while highlighting the financial vulnerabilities of research institutions reliant on federal funding. bostonglobe.com

The United States granted Hungary a one-year exemption from sanctions targeting Russian oil and gas. This decision followed a meeting between President Donald Trump and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, where Orbán outlined Hungary's economic reliance on Russian energy. The exemption, coupled with Hungary’s $600 million commitment to purchase U.S. liquefied natural gas, underscores the geopolitical complexities of balancing sanctions with economic realities. Critics argue this move could undermine efforts to pressure Russia over its war in Ukraine. The Guardian Source 31

Russia launched a large-scale assault on Ukraine's energy infrastructure, triggering widespread power outages across multiple regions. Energy Minister Svitlana Grynchuk confirmed emergency measures to stabilize the grid. Additionally, Ukraine’s Naftogaz announced plans to import U.S. liquefied natural gas via Poland to mitigate energy shortages. The attacks underline Russia's strategy of leveraging energy vulnerabilities during winter, while Ukraine's efforts to secure alternative supplies highlight its resilience in countering these tactics. bostonglobe.com

OpenAI has lobbied the Trump administration to extend the CHIPS Act's 35% tax credit to include AI data centers, arguing that such incentives are crucial for maintaining U.S. leadership in artificial intelligence. The request reflects the growing importance of infrastructure investment in staying competitive in the global AI race. Critics, however, caution against overly generous corporate subsidies without clear accountability measures. The Information

Following Republican losses in recent elections, President Donald Trump dismissed claims that affordability concerns drove voter dissatisfaction, labeling it a "Democratic con job." Despite his stance, political analysts note that rising living costs remain a key issue for voters, with Democrats capitalizing on the narrative. The administration's mixed messaging on the issue could pose challenges ahead of the 2026 elections. Wall Street Journal (Markets) Source 29