Good morning. It's Friday, October 2, 2026. The US has marked a significant milestone with the end of its 12-year military mission in Iraq, and the economy is showing signs of stability with low jobless claims and slower inflation growth.
The Federal Reserve's inflation gauge for August was lower than expected, which may delay the next interest-rate hike until December.
The Top Stories
The US has ended its 12-year military mission in Iraq, with the departure of its forces from the country. All US forces and equipment have left Erbil Air Base in northern Iraq as part of the withdrawal.
Why it matters: This development marks a significant shift in the US military presence in the region. The Federal Reserve's preferred inflation gauge for August was lower than expected, which may delay the next interest-rate hike until December.
The gauge showed slower growth in August, indicating a stable economy. Why it matters: This development may have a positive impact on the economy, as lower inflation can lead to higher consumer spending.
Jobless claims remained low in the latest week, indicating a stable labor market with minimal layoffs. Why it matters: Low jobless claims are a sign of a healthy economy, and this trend is expected to continue in the coming weeks.
Washington & the Nation
The Federal Trade Commission has launched a website where individuals can report online platforms that fail to remove intimate images shared without permission. The law requires platforms to remove such images promptly.
The FTC's move is aimed at protecting individuals from online harassment and exploitation. The US has also seen a significant development in the aviation sector, with a co-pilot allegedly stabbing the pilot on a FlyDubai flight headed to Israel.
Passengers intervened to stop the co-pilot, who reportedly intended to crash the plane.
Around the World
European stocks started the day with losses after a weak finish on Wall Street. Computer outages also affected trading. The global economy is closely watching the developments in the US, as the Federal Reserve's decision on interest rates can have a significant impact on international trade and commerce.
The US has also ended its military mission in Iraq, which is expected to have a significant impact on the region's stability and security.
Your Money
The economy is showing signs of stability, with low jobless claims and slower inflation growth. The stock market is also performing well, with the Dow, S&P 500, Nasdaq, and Russell 2000 all trending upward.
Gold and oil prices are also rising, indicating a positive trend in the commodity market. The 10-year Treasury is near 5.24%, which is a sign of a stable economy. Overall, the economy is expected to continue growing, with low unemployment and stable inflation.
Health & You
According to the National Institutes of Health, adults 50+ can reduce their risk of chronic diseases by engaging in regular physical activity. The NIH recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity per week.
Additionally, adults 50+ can benefit from incorporating strength-training exercises into their routine, which can help improve balance and reduce the risk of falls.
One Good Thing
The US has ended its military mission in Iraq, which is a significant milestone in the country's history. The withdrawal of US forces marks a new era of cooperation and diplomacy in the region, and is expected to have a positive impact on the stability and security of the region.
This development is a testament to the progress that can be made through diplomacy and international cooperation.
On This Day
In 1950, The comic strip Peanuts by Charles Schulz made its newspaper debut. In 1967, Thurgood Marshall was sworn in as the first Black justice of the United States Supreme Court.
In 1869, Mahatma Gandhi, Indian leader of the nonviolent independence movement. In 1951, Sting, English musician and singer-songwriter. (From the 50PlusHub Nostalgia archive.)
And that's the way it is. The US has ended its military mission in Iraq, and the economy is showing signs of stability. As we move forward, it's essential to stay informed about the latest developments in the economy and international relations.
We'll continue to bring you the latest news and analysis, so stay tuned for further updates.
Sources
- National Institutes of Health, 'Physical Activity and Health,' NIH Publication (2026)
- Wall Street Journal, 'US Ends Military Mission in Iraq,' WSJ (2026)
- Federal Reserve, 'Inflation Gauge,' Federal Reserve Economic Data (2026)
- Bureau of Labor Statistics, 'Jobless Claims,' BLS (2026)
- U.S. Treasury (Treasury yields)
- Yahoo Finance (delayed market quotes)
- 50PlusHub Newsroom