Oct 31, 2026, 11:30 AM UTC

US President Donald Trump voiced regret over his appointments to the Supreme Court during an interview with Time magazine, stating, "I got them the job of their life, and they often vote against me." Trump added that while he values loyalty, he does not expect it from judicial nominees.

The remarks coincided with a ruling from the Supreme Court, which rejected an attempt by the Trump administration to introduce stricter regulations on mail-in voting ahead of the upcoming midterm elections. The court's decision prevented the immediate implementation of the proposed restrictions, drawing positive reactions from Democratic lawmakers who opposed the measures. Separately, Defense Secretary nominee Pete Hegseth noted that Elon Musk should assist in exploring the future of warfare.

Sources: Der Standard, FAZ, Tagesschau.

In early 2025, the U.S. administration under President Donald Trump temporarily suspended enforcement of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), a statute established nearly 50 years ago to prohibit American citizens and companies from bribing foreign officials to gain business advantages.

Following the six-month pause, enforcement of the anti-bribery law was reinstated, but the U.S. Department of Justice was directed to narrow the scope of its foreign corruption investigations. The policy adjustment marks a shift in how the federal government targets international corporate misconduct.

Sources: OCCRP.

The French Armed Forces have launched a new voluntary military service initiative aimed at recruiting up to 3,000 participants aged 18 to 25. Under the ten-month program, recruits undergo basic military training, including tactical marching and weapon handling, before carrying out domestic operational duties alongside professional personnel.

Initial volunteers joined their designated regiments in September, with further cohorts integrating throughout October and November. The initiative serves to bolster domestic military capacity while engaging young citizens directly in national defense roles across the country.

Sources: Český rozhlas Plus

Researchers in France and Pittsburgh have successfully applied optogenetics to help patients suffering from a specific form of hereditary blindness regain partial vision. The innovative technique, which combines optics and genetics to control cellular activity using light, enabled trial participants to perceive the outlines of objects.

Inherited retinal diseases causing severe visual impairment affect approximately 1.5 million people worldwide. By stimulating modified light-sensitive proteins within remaining retinal cells, scientists can bypass damaged photoreceptors and transmit visual signals directly to the brain.

The recent advancements highlight the growing therapeutic potential of optogenetics, a field recognized for its landmark contributions to neuroscience and physiological research. Further clinical trials aim to refine the procedure for broader medical applications.

Sources: Český rozhlas Plus.