The Steady

Ukraine Abandons Truce, Strikes Russian Oil Refinery as Zelenskyy Says He Feels Betrayed by Trump

Ukraine has ended a brief ceasefire and resumed drone strikes on Russian oil refineries, with a Ukrainian drone hitting a refinery in Russia's Ryazan region early Thursday. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the truce was over after Moscow rejected it, and he stated publicly that he feels betrayed by President Trump's decision to ease sanctions on Russia. The development underscores the fragility of any negotiated pause and the widening rift between Kyiv and Washington.

Americans who drive or heat their homes with oil should know that continued strikes on Russian refinery infrastructure can contribute to volatility in global energy prices.

Source: Associated Press

Bipartisan Senate Push Seeks Pentagon Investigation Into Ukraine Satellite Disruption

A bipartisan group of senators, including Republicans, has called on the Pentagon's inspector general to investigate whether the Trump administration was responsible for disrupting satellite communications used by Ukrainian forces. The senators did not make public accusations but said the interruption, which affected battlefield communications, warrants formal scrutiny. The request adds to congressional pressure over the administration's conduct toward Ukraine.

The outcome of this investigation could determine whether U.S. technology policy is shaping battlefield outcomes in ways that Congress has not authorized or been informed about.

Source: The New York Times

Trump Administration's Attacks on Voting Raise Fears of Midterm Challenge

Election officials across the country say they are concerned that the Trump administration may use its own unsubstantiated claims about voting irregularities to contest the results of November's midterm elections. The concerns follow a pattern of statements and legal actions, including a federal lawsuit seeking to block California from counting mail ballots from voters the administration claims are likely noncitizens. No evidence of widespread fraud has been presented.

Voters in states facing legal challenges to their rolls should verify their registration status before Election Day to ensure their ballot will be counted.

Source: The New York Times

Suspicious Mailings With White Powder Sent to Election Officials and Congressional Offices

The FBI and U.S. Postal Inspection Service are investigating suspicious mailings sent to election offices and congressional offices, some of which contained an unidentified powdery white substance. Authorities have not yet identified the substance or announced any arrests. The mailings arrive weeks before the November midterm elections.

Election workers and congressional staff in affected areas should follow guidance from their security offices and report any suspicious packages immediately.

Source: NPR

After Canceling 760,000 ACA Enrollments, Administration Reinstates Some Beneficiaries

The Trump administration has begun reinstating some of the roughly 760,000 people removed from Affordable Care Act health plans as part of an anti-fraud effort, though officials have provided few details about the criteria used. The removals and partial restorations have left many enrollees uncertain about their coverage status. A second phase of the anti-fraud review is already underway.

If you or a family member lost ACA health coverage recently and have not received a reinstatement notice, contact your state marketplace or healthcare.gov to check your current enrollment status.

Source: NPR

Houthi Missiles Strike Yemen's Presidential Palace, Killing Five

Ballistic missiles fired by Houthi forces struck al-Maashiq Palace in Aden, Yemen, killing at least five people, according to Yemen's information minister. The country's prime minister and other ministers were present but were reported unharmed. The attack represents one of the most direct strikes on Yemen's internationally recognized government in recent years.

The attack deepens instability in a region already under severe humanitarian strain, which affects global shipping lanes and aid delivery that touch commodity and energy markets.

Source: BBC

Social Security Benefits Set to Rise as Cost-of-Living Adjustment Takes Effect

Social Security benefits are set to increase to offset rising consumer prices, with the annual cost-of-living adjustment reflecting recent inflation data. The specific percentage increase has been announced by the Social Security Administration. The adjustment will affect tens of millions of retirees and disabled Americans who rely on the program.

If you or someone in your household receives Social Security, expect a higher monthly payment beginning in January — the exact amount depends on your current benefit level.

Source: NPR

A 75,000-Year-Old Spear Wound Suggests Lethal Violence Among Neanderthals Was Common

Researchers examining the remains of a Neanderthal have identified what they believe is a 75,000-year-old spear wound, one of the oldest examples of interpersonal violence in the fossil record. The finding suggests that lethal fighting was not a modern human invention but may have shaped Neanderthal life as well. The study adds to a growing body of evidence reexamining how our ancient relatives lived and died.

Source: BBC