Stay informed with the latest news and analysis from Catamist
The Japanese yen has plummeted to its lowest level against the US dollar since 1986, surpassing 160 yen per dollar and sparking intense speculation that authorities are poised to intervene. This sharp depreciation is primarily driven by the stark interest rate differential between Japan's ultra-loose monetary policy and higher US rates, prompting officials to warn of "decisive action" to stabilize the struggling currency.
A U.S. FDA advisory committee has unanimously endorsed Eli Lilly's Alzheimer's drug, donanemab, signaling a major breakthrough for patients with early-stage disease. This promising treatment, which effectively slows cognitive decline by clearing amyloid plaques, now awaits the FDA's final regulatory decision later this year.
French President Emmanuel Macron dramatically dissolved parliament and called a snap legislative election on June 9, 2024, after his centrist alliance suffered a crushing defeat to the far-right National Rally in the European Parliament elections. This high-stakes, unexpected move has plunged French politics into uncertainty, setting the stage for a rapid election that could lead to a far-right government and reshape the nation's political landscape.
South Africa's ruling African National Congress (ANC) is actively pursuing a government of national unity after losing its parliamentary majority for the first time in 30 years, securing only 40.18% of the vote. This unprecedented political shift, led by President Cyril Ramaphosa, involves crucial negotiations with opposition parties to ensure national stability and echoes the country's post-apartheid transition.
G7 leaders have struck a landmark deal to provide Ukraine with a $50 billion loan, ingeniously funded by profits from frozen Russian sovereign assets. Announced at their summit, this crucial financial injection aims to bolster Ukraine's defense and reconstruction efforts, with funds expected to arrive by the end of 2024.
A Boeing quality engineer delivered explosive testimony to a Senate committee, alleging he was told to "shut up" after raising serious concerns about manufacturing defects in the 787 Dreamliner and 777 jets. He warned that shortcuts like misaligned parts and improper drilling could compromise structural integrity, potentially leading to catastrophic failure and intensifying ongoing scrutiny of Boeing's safety culture.
The UN Security Council overwhelmingly adopted a US-backed resolution on June 10, 2024, endorsing a three-phase plan for a "full and complete ceasefire" to end the devastating conflict in Gaza. This critical resolution, which includes provisions for hostage release, Israeli withdrawal, and reconstruction, has been met with cautious acceptance from both Israel and Hamas, who are urged to implement it without delay.
The U.S. Supreme Court has upheld a federal ban on bump stocks, reversing a lower court decision and affirming the ATF's authority to classify these rapid-fire devices as "machineguns." This pivotal 6-3 ruling, stemming from the 2017 Las Vegas mass shooting, reinforces the executive branch's power to regulate firearm accessories and marks a significant moment in gun control legislation.
Elon Musk has surprisingly withdrawn his lawsuit against OpenAI, which accused the artificial intelligence firm of abandoning its non-profit mission for profit. This dismissal "without prejudice" leaves the door open for future legal action, signaling continued tension between Musk and the company he co-founded.
In a unanimous decision, the U.S. Supreme Court preserved widespread access to the abortion pill mifepristone, rejecting a major challenge to the FDA's regulations on June 13, 2024. This critical ruling ensures the drug, used in nearly two-thirds of U.S. abortions, remains available under its current rules because the anti-abortion groups lacked legal standing to sue.
A massive heat dome is poised to unleash extreme, potentially record-breaking temperatures across vast swathes of the Northern Hemisphere, including the United States, Europe, and Asia, impacting millions. Scientists warn that these increasingly frequent and severe heatwaves are a direct consequence of ongoing climate change, posing significant health risks and challenging critical infrastructure globally.
Major global powers are massively investing in domestic semiconductor manufacturing, driven by national security concerns and a strategic push to reduce reliance on Asian supply chains. With the U.S., EU, and Japan leading this multi-billion dollar effort, nations are fiercely competing to secure a stable supply of advanced chips and reshape the global technology landscape.