RNN May 31st 2026

White House Economic Response: White House National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett has dismissed recent concerns over slumping consumer confidence. Hassett argued that the data should instead be viewed as "political sentiment" and downplayed widespread economic anxiety as a product of partisan politics. The administration is actively defending its economic record following a recent stock market drop and a first-quarter GDP dip, which officials attribute to a brief, tariff-related import surge rather than structural weakness. While critics point to decreasing consumer spending and an ongoing housing affordability crisis, the White House maintains that core indicators remain strong, highlighted by trillions in manufacturing investments. Ebola Recovery in the DRC: The head of the World Health Organization is celebrating a glint of hope in the Democratic Republic of the Congo after several patients successfully defeated a rare and highly dangerous strain of Ebola. According to health officials, five patients have recovered from the Bundibugyo strain in eastern Congo, where the outbreak has been spreading faster than the response. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus announced the news at the inauguration of a new Ebola treatment center in the city of Bunia. Dr. Tedros emphasized that while they are working on vaccines and treatments, these recoveries prove that people can survive the virus. Ukraine Nuclear Plant Drone Strike: The United Nations' nuclear watchdog has issued an urgent warning following a reported drone strike at a major nuclear facility in Ukraine. International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Grossi warned that targeting nuclear facilities is "like playing with fire" after a drone struck Europe's largest nuclear power plant, the Russian-controlled Zaporizhzhia facility. The strike reportedly hit a turbine hall building, blowing a hole through a wall. While no critical nuclear equipment was damaged and no radiation leaks were reported, the incident marks the first drone strike inside the plant's perimeter in over two years. Moscow has publicly blamed Ukraine, while Kyiv firmly denies the allegation, calling it a dangerous Russian disinformation campaign. The IAEA has requested immediate access to inspect the damage firsthand.