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- 1Fed holds rates steady as inflation reaches three-year high●Fed holds interest rates steady as inflation hits 3-year high
The US Federal Reserve has voted to keep interest rates unchanged as new figures show inflation climbing to its highest level in three years. The decision keeps borrowing costs at their current level despite persistent price pressures. Analysts are watching closely for signals on when the central bank might move, with the combination of a rate pause and rising inflation fueling debate about the economy's direction.
- 2Saudi Arabia has not ruled out nuclear weapons, US intelligence says●Saudis have not ruled out developing nuclear weapons, U.S. intelligence assesses
US intelligence agencies assess that Saudi Arabia has not ruled out developing nuclear weapons, according to a Washington Post report. The finding highlights Riyadh's hedging as regional tensions persist and talks over a potential civil nuclear program and a defense pact with Washington continue. It also raises questions about proliferation risks if Iran's nuclear program advances further.
- 3
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has publicly attacked critics of Israel’s military actions in Gaza, pushing back against growing international condemnation of the conduct of the war. The remarks come as pressure mounts on Israel from foreign governments, humanitarian organisations and public opinion over the mounting civilian toll in the territory.
- 4UN warns Sudan hunger crisis deepens as aid funds run dry●Sudan's hunger crisis deepens as aid money runs out, UN warns
The United Nations warns that Sudan's hunger crisis is worsening as humanitarian funding runs out. Aid agencies say they lack the money to deliver food to millions of people affected by the country's conflict, with starvation risk rising sharply. Observers are calling for urgent international donations to prevent the situation from deteriorating further.
- 5Trump faces Republican defections ahead of U.S.-China summit●Week in Politics: Trump faces Republican defections; U.S.-China summit; press feud
President Trump is dealing with growing defections from within his own Republican Party, while preparing for a U.S.-China summit and continuing a public feud with the press. Commentators say the intraparty rift could complicate his agenda even as foreign policy and media battles dominate headlines.
- 6Tehran reportedly behind terror attacks on Jews in Belgium●Terror attacks targeting Jews in Belgium reportedly orchestrated by Tehran
Terror attacks targeting Jewish people in Belgium were reportedly orchestrated by Tehran, according to a report by The Jerusalem Post. The claim, if confirmed, would mark a serious escalation in Iran's alleged operations against Jewish communities in Europe and is likely to prompt diplomatic fallout and security reviews in Belgium and across the continent.
- 7China Pushes Back Against US on Iran and Cuba at UN●China pushes back against US on Iran and Cuba in UN speech
China pushed back against the United States in a speech at the United Nations, defending Iran and Cuba against American pressure. Beijing's remarks signal continued friction with Washington over sanctions and unilateral measures, with Chinese officials framing US policy toward both countries as interference. The exchange highlights ongoing geopolitical rivalry between the two powers playing out on the UN stage.
- 8UN adds 61 firms to Israeli settlements blacklist▼UN adds 61 firms to settlements blacklist over alleged human rights violations against Palestinians
The United Nations has added 61 companies to its blacklist of firms operating in Israeli settlements, citing alleged human rights violations against Palestinians. The updated list names businesses across sectors including construction, finance and tourism. The move is expected to draw sharp criticism from Israel and its allies, while Palestinian advocacy groups have welcomed the listing as a step toward corporate accountability.
- 9US jury orders Apple to pay $5.7 billion in haptic patent case●US jury says Apple owes record $5.7 billion in haptic technology patent case
A US jury has ruled that Apple must pay a record $5.7 billion in a patent infringement case over haptic technology, the vibration feedback used in iPhones and other devices. The verdict is one of the largest patent damages awards against Apple to date, and the company is widely expected to appeal the decision.
- 10UN human rights chief urges de-escalation in Ethiopia fighting●UN High Commissioner for Human Rights urges de-escalation as fighting intensifies in Ethiopia
The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights has called for de-escalation in Ethiopia as fighting intensifies across the country. The appeal urges all parties to protect civilians and allow humanitarian access amid rising violence. Observers say the renewed hostilities risk worsening an already severe humanitarian crisis, drawing renewed international attention to Ethiopia's deteriorating security situation.
- 11Pope says France trip is to proclaim Christ's peace●Pope aboard papal plane: ‘I travel to France to proclaim Christ’s peace’
Pope Francis, speaking to journalists aboard the papal plane en route to France, said he travels to the country to proclaim Christ's peace. The remark came as the pontiff began his visit to France, framing the trip as a message of peace. Further details about his itinerary and reception were not provided.
- 12OpenAI Models Probed Websites of Federal Agencies●OpenAI’s Models Probed Websites of Department of Education, Other Agencies
OpenAI's AI models accessed or scanned the websites of the Department of Education and other US federal agencies, according to an Education Week report. The disclosure raises questions about how artificial intelligence systems collect government data and what oversight applies to automated access to public agency sites. It is likely to fuel ongoing debate in Washington about AI companies' data practices and the security of federal information systems.
- 13
With 40 days until the US midterm elections, election officials say a new federal cybersecurity plan arrives too late to help them prepare for threats. The plan, intended to protect election infrastructure from cyber attacks, is being criticised as coming after security preparations for the November vote were already largely complete.
- 14SpaceX launches classified US Space Force mission from California●SpaceX launches classified mystery mission for US Space Force from California (video, photos)
SpaceX carried out a launch from California on behalf of the US Space Force, with details of the payload kept secret as part of a classified military mission. The liftoff drew attention for its national security implications and for SpaceX's growing role in military space operations, with photos and video of the launch circulating widely.
- 15
CBS News reports that the U.S. military is laying the groundwork for possible action around Cuba. Details on the nature, scale, or timing of any potential operations were not provided in the report, and it remains unclear what specific steps are being taken or what would trigger them.
- 16House Democrats plan vast oversight of Trump administration●House Democrats plan vast oversight of Trump administration. Impeachment is an option
House Democrats are laying out plans for extensive oversight of the Trump administration, with party leaders stating that impeachment remains an option on the table. The strategy signals an aggressive congressional approach to scrutinising the administration's conduct, and the explicit mention of impeachment is drawing significant attention and debate across the political spectrum.
- 17At Least 10 Killed in Russian and Ukrainian Attacks●At least 10 people killed in Russian and Ukrainian attacks
At least 10 people have been killed in ongoing Russian and Ukrainian attacks, according to Al Jazeera reporting. The deaths come as the war between the two countries continues, with strikes causing civilian casualties on both sides. Details on the exact locations and circumstances of the attacks were not immediately provided, and the full extent of the damage remains unclear.
- 18RFK Jr. says cyclosporiasis outbreak under control amid 1,600 cases▼RFK Jr. says cyclosporiasis outbreak is 'under control' amid at least 1,600 cases in 5 states
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said a cyclosporiasis outbreak is 'under control' even as at least 1,600 cases have been reported across five US states. The intestinal illness, typically linked to contaminated food or water, has sickened people in multiple states, and officials are facing questions about the response. Comments downplaying the outbreak while case counts rise are drawing scrutiny.
- 19Hamas criticises Board of Peace over UNRWA refusal in Gaza●Hamas slams Board of Peace for refusal to work with UNRWA in Gaza
Hamas has criticised the Board of Peace for refusing to work with UNRWA in Gaza. The Palestinian group's statement condemns the board's decision to exclude the UN agency for Palestinian refugees from humanitarian and reconstruction efforts in the territory. The row highlights ongoing disputes over who should oversee aid and rebuilding in Gaza, with UNRWA's role remaining politically contested.
- 20Trump Rejects Iran Ceasefire, Expects Renewed Bombing After Midterms▼Exclusive | Trump Rejects Iran Ceasefire, Expects Renewed Bombing After Midterms
President Trump has rejected a proposed ceasefire with Iran and indicated he expects bombing campaigns to resume after the US midterm elections, according to a Wall Street Journal exclusive. The report suggests military action against Iran is being timed around domestic political considerations, drawing immediate attention given the stakes for Middle East stability and US election politics.
- 21Pennsylvania measles outbreak grows with 55 new cases●Pennsylvania measles outbreak spreads, with 55 new cases reported since Wednesday
Health officials in Pennsylvania are reporting a rapidly growing measles outbreak, with 55 new cases confirmed since Wednesday. The spread has made the state the focus of national concern, as measles is highly contagious and officials are urging residents to check vaccination status and watch for symptoms as contact tracing continues.
- 22
Nevada is outperforming expectations on solar energy, according to a Wall Street Journal report. The state, long associated with gambling and mining, is expanding large-scale solar capacity in its desert regions, drawing attention as the United States weighs its energy transition. Observers point to Nevada's abundant sunshine, open land and growing investment in renewable projects as drivers of the gains.
- 23SpaceX Starship Flight 14 launch set for Sept. 28●What time will SpaceX's Starship Flight 14 orbital test launch on Sept. 28? (Full mission timeline)
SpaceX is preparing Starship Flight 14, an orbital test flight targeted for Sept. 28. Space.com reports the expected launch time and published a full mission timeline covering launch, booster separation, and re-entry milestones. The mission is the next step in testing the rocket's reusability as the company pushes toward future lunar and Mars missions.
- 24Blizzard Video Game Workers Win First Union Contracts▼Video Game Workers at Blizzard Won First Union Contracts
Workers at video game company Blizzard have secured their first union contracts, a milestone for labor organizing in the gaming industry. The agreements mark the culmination of a multi-year organizing push at the Activision Blizzard studio. Supporters see it as a breakthrough that could encourage union drives at other game developers, where reports of crunch and layoffs have fueled worker activism in recent years.
- 25Neighbor charged with murder of Georgia DoorDash driver●‘Gruesome crime’: Neighbor charged with murder after Georgia DoorDash driver found dismembered
A neighbor has been charged with murder after a DoorDash delivery driver was found dismembered in Georgia, in what authorities described as a gruesome crime. The case has drawn widespread attention online and in national coverage, with people reacting to the shocking nature of the killing and the fact that the suspect lived near the victim.
- 26Supreme Court Strikes Down Republican Gerrymander in Missouri●Election Dispatches: Democrats Notch a Win as the Supreme Court Tosses a Republican Gerrymander in Missouri
The Supreme Court has rejected a Republican-drawn congressional map in Missouri, a decision Democrats are calling a win in the ongoing battle over redistricting. The ruling could force the state to redraw its district lines, potentially reshaping the state's congressional delegation ahead of future elections.
- 27Trump's home county pauses data centers over environment and power costs●Trump's home county hits pause on data centers over environment and electric bill concerns
The county where Donald Trump maintains his residence has imposed a temporary halt on new data center projects, citing environmental impact and rising electricity bills for residents. Local officials are weighing whether the facilities' energy demands outweigh their economic benefits, a debate playing out in communities across the country as data center construction accelerates.
- 28
Donald Trump has asserted striking figures for casualties in the Russia-Ukraine war, a claim highlighted by Fox News coverage. The remarks feed an ongoing debate over the true human cost of the conflict, as independent casualty counts remain contested and estimates from Kyiv, Moscow and Western sources differ widely.
- 29Mass Deportations Called an Anti-Worker Agenda That Harms Everyone●Mass deportations—An anti-worker agenda that harms everyone
The Economic Policy Institute argues that mass deportations amount to an anti-worker agenda that harms everyone, not just immigrant communities. The labor-focused think tank contends such policies suppress wages and working conditions across the economy, hurting both US-born and immigrant workers. The statement feeds into an ongoing public debate over immigration enforcement and its economic consequences.
- 30Mamdani Targets Corporate 'Greedy Algorithm' in New Political Brand●Mamdani Targets ‘Greedy Algorithm’ of Corporations in a New Brand of Politics
Zohran Mamdani is framing his politics around what he calls the 'greedy algorithm' of corporations, arguing that profit-driven corporate behavior is at the root of problems facing ordinary Americans. The approach signals a sharpened anti-corporate message as he builds a distinctive political brand, drawing attention from commentators and sparking debate over how far this new style of economic populism will reach beyond his base.
- 31
NPR is asking whether the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo is coming under control. The report raises the question amid ongoing response efforts in the affected region, and observers are watching whether case numbers are finally declining after months of outbreak management.
- 32
Venezuela has released 39 political prisoners following negotiations held in the period after Maduro, according to Al Jazeera. The release is being read as a significant gesture in the country's political transition, with observers watching whether more detainees will be freed and what concessions may have been made during the talks.
- 33US assessment warns Saudi Arabia may still pursue nuclear arms●Saudi Arabia may still pursue nuclear arms, US assessment warns
A new US intelligence assessment warns that Saudi Arabia may still be considering the pursuit of nuclear weapons, despite diplomatic efforts to keep the kingdom's nuclear programme strictly civilian. The warning highlights renewed concern over nuclear proliferation in the Middle East, particularly if regional rival Iran advances its own nuclear capabilities.
- 34
Chinese state announcements say Beijing and Washington agreed to a $30 billion tariff reduction and to open a dialogue on artificial intelligence during Xi Jinping's visit. The news, reported by Reuters, suggests a tentative easing of tensions between the two economic rivals on trade and technology. Details are sparse so far, and readers should note the figures come from the Chinese side; US confirmation and the fine print of the deal are not yet clear.
- 35Trump rolls back Biden-era fuel economy rules for cars●Trump says he is rolling back Biden-era US fuel economy rules for cars
Donald Trump announced that his administration is rolling back fuel economy standards for cars introduced under Joe Biden. The rules, which required automakers to improve vehicle efficiency, were a centerpiece of Biden's climate policy. The rollback is likely to ease regulatory pressure on US carmakers but draw criticism from environmental groups concerned about emissions.
- 36Oil Prices Jump as Houthi Attacks Fuel US-Iran Tensions●Oil Prices Jump on Houthi Attacks, U.S.-Iran Escalation Fears
Oil prices rose sharply following renewed attacks by Yemen's Houthi movement and growing fears of escalation between the United States and Iran. Traders are pricing in the risk that the confrontations could disrupt shipping and supply through the Middle East. Analysts warn that any direct US-Iran confrontation could push prices higher still, keeping energy markets on edge.
- 37Iran pushes diplomacy after Trump rejects peace plan●Iran insists on diplomatic solution after Trump rejects peace plan
Iran says it remains committed to a diplomatic resolution following Donald Trump's rejection of a proposed peace plan. The statement signals Tehran's effort to keep negotiations alive despite the setback, and it is drawing attention as tensions between Washington and Tehran continue to shape regional and global diplomacy.
- 38Venezuela's President Leaves US Without a Deal or Election Date▼Venezuela’s President Leaves US Without a Deal or Election Date
Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has ended a visit to the United States without reaching an agreement, and no date has been set for elections in Venezuela. The outcome leaves unresolved both the diplomatic standoff with Washington and mounting questions over the country's political timetable, with observers watching closely for any next steps.
- 39
US Immigration and Customs Enforcement is planning to buy robotic dogs, according to an ABC News report. The quadruped robots would potentially be used in enforcement operations, a prospect already drawing attention from observers of immigration policy and surveillance technology. Critics have raised concerns in the past about expanding high-tech tools in immigration enforcement, while agencies have argued such equipment improves safety for officers in the field.
- 40Canada warns global order faces rupture, urges partnerships●Canada urges stronger partnerships as global order faces ‘rupture’
Canada has called for stronger international partnerships, warning that the global order is facing a 'rupture'. The message, delivered in the context of the United Nations, stresses that countries must work together to preserve multilateral cooperation at a time of mounting geopolitical strain. Details of the specific remarks and the venue remain limited.
- 41US mortgage rates top 7% as bond yields surge●Mortgage rates break past 7% as bond yields surge, deepening U.S. housing gridlock
Average US mortgage rates have climbed above 7% after a sharp rise in Treasury bond yields, worsening an already frozen housing market. Higher borrowing costs are pricing out buyers, discouraging homeowners with lower locked-in rates from selling, and deepening the gridlock between sellers, buyers and lenders. Economists warn affordability could deteriorate further if yields keep climbing.
- 42OpenAI Staff Called Book-Pirating 'Sketchy AF' in Internal Messages●‘Sketchy AF’: What to Know About How OpenAI Staff Discussed Book-Pirating
The Wall Street Journal reports on internal OpenAI messages in which staff discussed the use of pirated books, with one employee describing the practice as 'sketchy AF'. The disclosure lands as OpenAI faces lawsuits from authors and publishers alleging its AI models were trained on copyrighted works without permission, intensifying scrutiny of the company's data practices.
- 43Seven dead as Russia and Ukraine exchange intensified aerial strikes▼7 dead as Russia, Ukraine exchange strikes and aerial war intensifies
At least seven people have been killed as Russia and Ukraine carried out fresh exchanges of airstrikes, with both sides stepping up long-range drone and missile attacks. The strikes mark a further escalation in the aerial war between the two countries, hitting areas far from the front lines and drawing renewed attention to the growing toll on civilians.
- 44Trump approves rollback of Biden-era fuel economy standards●Trump says he approved new fuel economy standards rolling back Biden-era rules
President Donald Trump said he has approved new fuel economy standards that roll back rules put in place during the Biden administration. The move would loosen requirements on carmakers for vehicle efficiency. The announcement is drawing attention from the auto industry and environmental groups, who are weighing the impact on emissions, vehicle prices and US climate commitments.
- 45Iran Warns Economic Unrest Could Ignite as Crackdown Widens▼Economic Crisis in Iran Meets Expanding Security Response as Officials Warn Every ‘Spark’ Could Become a ‘Flame’
Iranian officials are warning that every 'spark' of public anger over the country's deepening economic crisis could turn into a 'flame', as the security response to unrest expands. The remarks point to government concern that inflation, currency collapse and deteriorating living conditions could trigger wider protests, prompting authorities to step up surveillance and repression of dissent across the country.
- 46Jon Watts to Direct Next Star Wars Film for Lucasfilm●‘Star Wars’: Jon Watts to Direct Next Movie for Lucasfilm
Filmmaker Jon Watts has been tapped to direct the next Star Wars movie for Lucasfilm, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Watts, best known for helming Marvel's Spider-Man trilogy with Tom Holland, becomes the latest high-profile director to join the franchise as Lucasfilm continues developing its slate of new big-screen entries. Details about the film's story and release date have not been announced, and fan discussion is focused on what direction Watts will take the galaxy far, far away.
- 47Lawmakers slam Trump's cancellation of $810M in Congress-approved funding●Lawmakers slam Trump’s move to cancel $810M in funding approved by Congress
Members of Congress are condemning President Trump's move to cancel $810 million in funding that had already been approved by lawmakers. The rescission has sparked criticism from both parties, with lawmakers arguing the administration is overstepping by unilaterally stripping away money Congress appropriated, raising fresh concerns over executive power and budget battles in Washington.
- 48China sends two pandas to Atlanta Zoo●China’s panda diplomacy takes flight as two new arrivals head for Atlanta
China is sending two new giant pandas to Atlanta, renewing its long-standing practice of panda diplomacy. Under this tradition, Beijing loans pandas to friendly nations as a gesture of goodwill, and their arrivals abroad often draw major public attention. The transfer signals a fresh chapter in US-China wildlife cooperation following earlier panda returns from American zoos.
- 49Lavrov calls for new Eurasian security architecture▼Lavrov issues call for new Eurasian ‘security architecture’
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has called for the creation of a new Eurasian security architecture, urging that regional arrangements replace existing frameworks. His remarks, delivered in a United Nations context, renew Moscow's long-standing push for a security order in Eurasia that would reduce the influence of Western-led alliances such as NATO and reshape regional cooperation arrangements.
- 50Supreme Court again blocks Missouri congressional map favoring Republicans●For the third time, Supreme Court declines to allow Missouri to use congressional map expected to aid Republicans
The US Supreme Court has for the third time declined to let Missouri put in place a new congressional map expected to help Republicans win more House seats. The order leaves the map on hold while litigation continues, and it marks repeated refusals by the justices to intervene on the state's behalf, keeping the redrawn districts out of use for now.