Stories that are getting the most attention from our readers this week.
The U.S. FDA has approved the first-ever gene therapy for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) Type 1, a rare genetic muscle-wasting disease affecting infants. Developed by Novartis, the one-time intravenous treatment Zolgensma targets the root genetic cause, potentially halting progression in children under 6 months. Priced at $2.1 million per dose, it's expected to be covered by most U.S. insurers, marking a milestone in personalized medicine.
The U.S. Supreme Court issued a stay on March 9, 2026, temporarily blocking the deportation of former President Donald Trump pending further review of his legal challenges to a lower court ruling. The 5-4 decision came hours after a federal appeals court upheld an order for his removal over alleged violations of post-presidency foreign emoluments. This marks a rare intervention in a politically charged immigration enforcement case involving a former head of state.
Johnson & Johnson Consumer Health issued a voluntary recall of approximately 1.5 million bottles of Neutrogena Ultra Sheer and Aveeno Protect + Refresh sunscreen sprays after independent testing detected elevated levels of benzene, a known carcinogen, in some aerosol products. The recall affects sprays manufactured between November 2023 and February 2026, sold nationwide at retailers like Walmart, Target, and CVS. No illnesses have been reported, but consumers are urged to stop using and return products for refunds; lot numbers are listed on the FDA website.
The U.S. Federal Reserve maintained its benchmark interest rate at 4.75-5.00% in its March 2026 meeting, citing progress on inflation toward the 2% target but persistent risks from supply chain disruptions. Chair Jerome Powell noted that recent data shows core PCE inflation at 2.4%, down from peaks, but emphasized caution due to global energy volatility. The statement opens the door to rate cuts as early as June if employment remains stable.
A ProPublica investigation uncovered internal Secret Service emails from July 2024 showing agents dismissed warnings about a suspicious individual at the Butler, Pennsylvania rally where an assassination attempt on then-candidate Donald Trump occurred. The emails, obtained via FOIA, reveal supervisors overruled field agents' requests for drone surveillance and additional manpower due to staffing shortages. This accountability reporting highlights systemic failures that allowed the shooter to access a rooftop vantage point, resulting in one death and injuries.
Apple has rolled out iOS 19.1, featuring advanced AI-driven security enhancements to counter a surge in sophisticated cyberattacks targeting mobile users. The update includes real-time threat detection, automated phishing blocks, and encrypted data processing powered by on-device machine learning. This release comes after a week of high-profile breaches affecting millions, prompting urgent patches for iPhone and iPad users worldwide.
LeBron James, the NBA's all-time leading scorer, announced his retirement on March 8, 2026, after 23 seasons, with his final years spent with the Los Angeles Lakers. The four-time champion reflected on his journey from Akron, Ohio, to global icon status in a press conference following a Lakers win. James leaves behind records in points, playoff appearances, and finals MVP awards, reshaping the league's narrative.
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