Trump and Zelensky Discuss Energy Cease-Fire

Zelensky agreed to a 30-day pause in attacks on energy infrastructure as part of a preliminary cease-fire with Russia. The deal, brokered in a call with President Trump, aims to prevent further strikes on key energy sites while broader negotiations continue. However, uncertainty remains about how the pause will be implemented, with Zelensky warning that Russian drones were still active over Ukraine. During the call, Trump suggested the U.S. take control of Ukrainian power plants, an idea that experts deemed impractical and that Zelensky clarified was only discussed in relation to the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant. Meanwhile, U.S. officials stated that technical teams would meet in Saudi Arabia to explore expanding the cease-fire to the Black Sea. Trump’s push for a deal has placed Zelensky in a difficult position, with concerns that American pressure could force Ukraine into unwanted concessions. European allies cautiously welcomed the truce but remain wary of Russia's intentions.

Sources: The New York Times

Israel Expands Ground Operations in Gaza

Israeli forces advanced deeper into Gaza on Wednesday, seizing control of a key corridor that divides the enclave following a wave of airstrikes that marked the end of a fragile cease-fire with Hamas. The offensive, focused on the Netzarim Corridor, aims to establish a partial buffer zone between northern and southern Gaza. Israel has not resumed full-scale war but has intensified attacks, with officials warning of further escalation unless Hamas agrees to more favorable terms in ongoing negotiations over hostages. Hamas has not launched a military response but insists it will not submit to Israeli demands. Meanwhile, Israeli bombardments have killed more than 400 people, according to Gaza health officials, and disrupted humanitarian aid as border crossings remain largely sealed. The United Nations reported that one of its officers was killed and five others wounded in strikes on its compounds, though Israel denied involvement. As the conflict escalates, the possibility of a new cease-fire remains uncertain.

Sources: The New York Times

Finland Tops World Happiness Report for 8th Year

For the eighth consecutive year, Finland has been ranked the happiest country in the world in the annual World Happiness Report, published on the UN’s International Day of Happiness. The ranking, based on residents' self-reported quality of life across over 140 countries, saw Denmark, Iceland, Sweden, and the Netherlands rounding out the top five. Notably, Mexico (10th) and Costa Rica (6th) entered the top 10 for the first time, while the United States fell to its lowest-ever ranking at 24th. Experts suggest that while GDP per capita is similar across wealthy nations, social trust, wealth distribution, and strong social connections are key differentiators. Nordic countries maintain high social trust and economic equality, while Latin American nations rank high in social connectedness and communal activities. A striking finding was that happiness is closely linked to believing in the kindness of others, with Nordic countries excelling in both perceived and actual social trust.

Sources: Fortune

JFK Files Trigger Mixed Responses

The release of previously unredacted JFK assassination records has sparked a mixed response, with experts and the public working to interpret the newly disclosed information. While Robert F. Kennedy Jr. praised President Donald Trump for declassifying the documents, calling it a step toward government transparency, his relative Jack Schlossberg condemned both Trump and RFK Jr., accusing them of distorting history for political gain. Meanwhile, privacy concerns have arisen due to the disclosure of Social Security numbers and personal data in the files. Attorney Mark Zaid, an advocate for declassification, criticized the inclusion of sensitive information as “incredibly irresponsible”, while Trump-affiliated lawyer Joseph diGenova, whose personal details were published, called the release “sloppy and unprofessional.” Critics warn that revealing private data could lead to identity theft and harassment, raising questions about the government’s handling of sensitive historical records.

Sources: The Washington Post

Feds Hold Interest Rates Steady, Signal Future Cuts Amid Economic Uncertainty

The Federal Reserve kept its benchmark interest rate unchanged at 4.25%-4.5%, maintaining its cautious approach as officials assess the impact of tariffs and economic slowdowns. While rate cuts are still expected later in the year, the central bank signaled greater uncertainty in its economic outlook. The Fed’s updated projections anticipate two quarter-point rate reductions by the end of 2025, but Chair Jerome Powell emphasized that rates could remain elevated if inflation stays above target.

Sources: CNBC

Nvidia’s GTC Event Leaves Wall Street Wanting More

Nvidia’s annual GTC event showcased CEO Jensen Huang’s bold vision for the company’s AI-driven future, but the stock fell 3.4% as investors sought stronger near-term catalysts. Huang unveiled details on next-gen AI chips like Blackwell Ultra and Vera Rubin, as well as Dynamo, an inferencing software positioned as the “operating system for AI Factories.” He also projected that Nvidia’s data center revenue could reach $1 trillion by 2028. However, analysts noted that most announcements were incremental updates rather than groundbreaking surprises, leaving the stock down 14% year-to-date. While long-term investors remain optimistic, short-term traders were looking for bigger revelations to justify Nvidia’s high valuation.

Sources: Yahoo Finance