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.