Israel’s defense ministry announced the high-powered laser system known as the “Iron Beam” will be delivered to the military by year-end. The laser is designed to target rockets, drones and mortars with a concentrated beam of light. Developers say the system completed its final tests over southern Israel and met key performance goals. The ministry added it will operate alongside existing interceptors like the Iron Dome to create a more layered defense. The move means Israel will become one of the first countries to field a full-scale laser-based air defense asset. Threats from short-range rockets and drones remain active, and more cost-effective interception tools could ease pressure on missile interceptors.

Donald Trump suffered three serious blows in his legal and political battles. First, a federal appeals court agreed to review a challenge to his deployment of federal troops in Oregon. Second, the U.S. Senate blocked his proposed emergency tariffs on Brazil, with five Republicans joining Democrats in opposition. Third, a judge ruled that the acting U.S. attorney he had appointed in California was serving unlawfully. Trump had been relying on these moves to reinforce his authority. The court’s decision raises questions about how far a president can send troops inside the U.S. The tariff blockade marks a clear legislative rebuke of his trade agenda. And the attorney-appointment ruling hits his control over federal law-enforcement posts. These setbacks weaken key tools of presidential power that Trump has been using actively. They could reshape how his administration proceeds, especially in trade and domestic operations.

At a gathering of Jewish Republicans, Senator Ted Cruz delivered a sharp warning about antisemitism inside the Republican Party. He said he has seen more hostility toward Jews in the past six months than at any other time in his life. Cruz told the audience that the problem is spreading through online spaces and public events. He said some figures on the right are giving extremists a bigger stage and that silence from party leaders is making the situation worse. He urged Republicans to speak out clearly when antisemitic words or actions appear, calling it a moral test for the party. His message landed strongly among Jewish conservatives, many of whom have long supported the GOP for its stance on Israel and religious freedom. Some attendees said the senator’s warning felt overdue, while others viewed it as a necessary reminder that friendship with Israel does not erase prejudice at home. The remarks come as Jewish communities in the United States face growing unease over both left- and right-wing rhetoric. Cruz’s decision to describe antisemitism as an “existential crisis” marked a rare internal challenge within the party.

In New Jersey, people buying individual-health-insurance plans through Get Covered New Jersey may face shocking price rises next year. The New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance says base rate increases average about 16.6%. But when loss of enhanced federal tax credits is added in, premiums could climb as much as ~174% for many enrollees. These enhanced credits helped thousands of residents in recent years. About 91% of marketplace enrollees (over 466,000 people) currently get those subsidies. Without them, many households will pay thousands more annually. This matters now: open enrollment starts November 1, and plan decisions will be more financially significant than usual.

A prominent professor at Harvard University says most adults don’t need exactly eight hours of sleep. He argues the eight-hour target is a simplification that doesn’t reflect recent evidence. Instead, he suggests individuals focus on sleep quality and timing, not just duration. He points to research showing people may function well on less sleep under certain conditions. Many people may feel unnecessarily pressured by the eight-hour benchmark—even if their bodies operate fine with slightly more or less rest.

A new report shows the global market for testing for Methicillin‑resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is expected to grow from about $4.3 billion in 2025 to $6.5 billion by 2035. Diagnostic firms report faster test types using PCR and sequencing are driving demand. Because MRSA continues to cause hard-to-treat infections, hospitals and labs are investing more in rapid detection. The faster results enable quicker decisions and may help reduce spread. The scale of the market growth shows how serious healthcare systems view MRSA now.

More and more small business owners and freelancers have started offering AI-based services. Many are building tools that help other companies write ads, answer emails, or organize data. The surge comes after large tech firms announced new spending on artificial intelligence this week. People see a chance to fill small gaps the big firms overlook — like simple chat tools for local stores or faster ways to search company files. Investors say they are getting more calls from everyday founders looking for modest funding to launch AI side projects. The trend shows how fast artificial intelligence is turning from a tech headline into a hands-on business opportunity.

Researchers at University of Warwick and Monash University identified a hidden molecule that shows 100 times the strength of existing antibiotics against serious drug-resistant infections, including Methicillin‑resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Vancomycin‑resistant Enterococcus (VRE). The compound, named pre-methylenomycin C lactone, was found by studying a well-known bacterium that had been used for decades in antibiotic research. Tests showed no signs of bacterial resistance developing so far in lab conditions. The researchers say the finding opens a new path toward tackling the rising global threat of antimicrobial resistance. This discovery could lead to effective treatments for infections that currently resist antibiotics and marks an important step in combating superbugs.

Opponents of Zohran Mamdani are stepping up their efforts as the mayoral race nears its final stretch. Across several boroughs, volunteers have begun organizing neighborhood meetings and digital ads urging voters to block what they call his “radical” housing and policing plans. Business owners warn that his proposals could drive companies and jobs out of the city. Some long-time Democrats say they support rent relief and fairness but fear Mamdani’s policies go too far, too fast. Cuomo’s campaign is quietly counting on that backlash to tighten the race in the final days. Even with Mamdani leading in most polls, the tone has shifted — from curiosity to confrontation. What happens next may depend less on campaign slogans and more on who shows up to vote.

Kamala Harris told an interviewer that Joe Biden “didn’t want” the June 2024 debate against Donald Trump. She said she sensed something was “a little off” when he called from debate prep. Harris said his reluctance weakened his performance and affected the campaign’s outcome. She admitted she should have spoken up sooner but feared looking self-serving. The remarks appear in her memoir, where she reflects on the race and her former boss. Biden’s team hasn’t publicly responded to her comments.

A new health report shows more teenagers waking up around 2 a.m. or earlier and staying restless.The pattern appears linked to increased screen use and stress before bed.Sleep specialists warn the trend could lead to daytime fatigue and mood drops.They suggest fixed bedtimes and quiet wind-down routines to help teens reset.Parents and schools are urged to notice the signs and support better sleep habits.

The federal government shutdown now puts the nationwide food-aid program known as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) at risk of shutting down. Around 42 million people across the U.S. could miss benefits if the funding gap isn’t closed. In New Jersey, this means families who rely on SNAP could lose support. States are scrambling with emergency measures, but they cannot replace the full federal assistance program.

A British national working as a military trainer in Ukraine was detained by Ukrainian counterintelligence agents this week after allegedly offering secret defense-force information to Russian intelligence. He reportedly switched from running training sessions for Ukrainian units to meeting with Russian agents online and in person, and he now faces charges of transmitting unit locations, photographs and personnel data. Prosecutors say he was preparing attacks as part of the leaks.

Taiwan’s president, Lai Ching-te, praised Israel’s air-defense network as a strong model for Taiwan’s own plans. He said Taipei’s new “T-Dome” system draws direct inspiration from Israel’s Iron Dome. He explained that studying Israel’s readiness helps Taiwan build clear layers of radar, interceptors, and support. He also said closer ties between Taiwan, Israel, and the U.S. could strengthen regional defense.

The Federal Reserve lowered its key interest rate by a quarter point to 3.75%–4.00%. This is the second cut this year. The Fed said the move aims to protect jobs as the economy shows signs of slowing. Hiring has cooled, and government spending is under strain. Inflation is still above the target, but price growth has eased. The Fed will watch new data before deciding on another change. Stock markets rose slightly after the news, and some investors expect one more cut before year’s end.

The U.S. is taking active steps to prevent the collapse of the cease-fire between Israel and Hamas after heavy Israeli airstrikes in Gaza killed more than 100 Palestinians. American officials warned both sides that the truce, brokered by the U.S., must hold. The strikes followed the death of an Israeli soldier, which Israel blamed on Hamas. While fighting paused again, U.S. diplomats emphasized that overly severe retaliation or further hostilities could shatter the deal — and urged calm and dialogue instead.

President Donald Trump announced that the U.S. will share nuclear-powered submarine technology with South Korea, marking a landmark change in military cooperation. He also directed the American military to resume nuclear weapons testing after a 33-year hiatus. These moves signal a sharp pivot in U.S. defense strategy, aiming to strengthen alliances and respond to rival powers’ growing capabilities. The submarine deal opens the door to deeper South Korean-U.S. collaboration, while the testing order challenges long-standing arms control norms.

The Federal Reserve cut its key interest rate to 3.75-4 percent, signalling support as hiring slows. Markets responded instantly — equities climbed and the dollar strengthened. The move marks the second straight monthly rate cut and suggests financial conditions are easing. Treasury yields rose slightly, showing investor caution about growth ahead.

Governor Phil Murphy announced today that his administration is launching a fifth wave of medical debt relief in New Jersey. The program will eliminate millions in unpaid hospital bills for tens of thousands of residents. Families who were previously burdened by high medical costs will see their records cleared. Murphy emphasized that helping people reclaim financial stability is a key aim. This move comes as the state works to ease economic stress and support health-care access for vulnerable communities.

Nvidia stock climbed nearly 5% today after a burst of new deals. The company agreed to help the U.S. Department of Energy build a huge AI supercomputer using over 100,000 of its Blackwell chips. It also invested $1 billion in Nokia to add its AI hardware to next-generation telecom systems. These moves strengthen Nvidia’s position in both government and communication networks. Investors responded quickly, pushing shares higher and showing strong confidence in Nvidia’s growth in the AI hardware market.

The U.S. government said it will tighten rules on selling American technology to China’s police and security forces. Officials found that U.S. companies had sold computer parts and software used to track and watch people in China, including in areas where human rights abuses have been reported. Lawmakers are calling for clear limits and stronger oversight to prevent American tools from being used for surveillance abroad. The new policy aims to keep sensitive technology out of foreign hands and ensure that U.S. products are used for safety, not control.

The federal government shutdown stretched into another day as lawmakers continued to spar over budget priorities. Economists now estimate billions of dollars in lost productivity, delayed pay for federal workers, and ripple effects across local economies. While negotiations have intensified, neither side has yet reached a compromise to reopen agencies. Essential services remain operational, but key programs face mounting strain. Investors are growing anxious, warning that a prolonged shutdown could weaken fourth-quarter growth and shake consumer confidence unless Congress breaks the impasse within the coming days.

The U.S. stock market closed slightly higher on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, as investors weighed strong tech earnings against cautious economic signals. The S&P 500 rose 0.3%, while the Nasdaq gained 0.6%, buoyed by solid performances from major technology firms. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 0.2%, helped by renewed optimism in industrial and energy shares. Analysts noted that steady corporate results and cooling inflation data have supported market confidence despite lingering concerns about interest rates. Investors are now watching upcoming Federal Reserve remarks for hints about future monetary policy direction.

In the last 24 hours, Israel launched targeted airstrikes in Gaza following a renewed wave of rocket attacks by Hamas militants. The IDF confirmed the strikes focused on key Hamas command centers and weapon storage sites embedded within civilian areas. Israeli officials described the operation as a “measured but necessary response” to ongoing terror threats, emphasizing their commitment to protecting southern communities. Prime Minister Netanyahu reaffirmed that Israel “will not tolerate attacks on its citizens” and called on the international community to hold Hamas accountable for using Gaza’s population as human shields.