Good morning. It's Monday, October 12, 2026. The US has marked a significant milestone with the end of its 12-year military mission in Iraq, as all US forces and equipment have left Erbil Air Base in northern Iraq.
This development comes as the economy is showing signs of stability, with low jobless claims and slower inflation growth, indicating a stable labor market with minimal layoffs.
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's 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 that inflation may be under control. Why it matters: This development may have a positive impact on the economy, as lower inflation can lead to higher consumer spending and economic growth.
Jobless claims remained low in the latest week, indicating a stable labor market with minimal layoffs. Why it matters: Low jobless claims are a positive sign for the economy, as they indicate that businesses are not laying off employees and that the labor market is stable.
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, and the FTC's tool is designed to help enforce this law.
The US has also seen a significant development in the aviation industry, 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.
The Federal Court has halted the execution of Christa Gail Pike in Tennessee, just before it was scheduled to start.
Around the World
European stocks started the day with losses after a weak finish on Wall Street, with computer outages also affecting trading. The global economy is closely watched, as developments in one region can have a ripple effect on others.
The US's decision to end its military mission in Iraq may have implications for the region and the global economy. The sculpture depicting AI leaders on a sinking ship is a creative protest against OpenAI, highlighting the concerns and debates surrounding the development of artificial intelligence.
Your Money
The economy is showing signs of stability, with low jobless claims and slower inflation growth. The stock market is also seeing an upward trend, with the Dow, S&P 500, Nasdaq, and Russell 2000 all increasing.
Gold and oil prices are also rising, indicating a positive outlook for investors. The 10-year Treasury is near 5.24%, which may indicate a stable interest rate environment.
This stability can have a positive impact on consumer spending and economic growth, as lower inflation and stable interest rates can lead to increased confidence in the economy.
Health & You
According to the National Institutes of Health, regular exercise can help reduce the risk of chronic diseases, such as heart disease and diabetes, in adults 50+. The NIH recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise per week, which can be achieved through activities such as brisk walking, cycling, or swimming.
Adults 50+ can also benefit from incorporating strength training exercises into their routine, which can help improve muscle mass and bone density.
One Good Thing
The FTC's new tool to report online platforms that fail to remove intimate images shared without permission is a positive development for individuals who have been affected by this issue. This tool can help provide a sense of justice and closure for those who have been victimized, and it can also help to prevent future incidents.
It's a reminder that there are resources available to help individuals who have been affected by online harassment and exploitation.
On This Day
In 1492, Christopher Columbus and his crew sighted land in the Caribbean after crossing the Atlantic. In 1960, Soviet premier Nikita Khrushchev disrupted a United Nations session in New York.
In 1870, Robert E. Lee, Confederate general in the American Civil War. In 1935, Luciano Pavarotti, Italian operatic tenor. (From the 50PlusHub Nostalgia archive.)
In conclusion, today's news highlights the stability of the economy, with low jobless claims and slower inflation growth. The US's decision to end its military mission in Iraq marks a significant shift in the region, and the FTC's new tool to report online platforms that fail to remove intimate images shared without permission is a positive development for individuals who have been affected by this issue.
As always, it's essential to stay informed about current events and their potential impact on our lives. And that's the way it is.
Sources
- Federal Reserve, 'Inflation Gauge,' 2026
- National Institutes of Health, 'Exercise and Physical Activity,' 2026
- Federal Trade Commission, 'Reporting Online Platforms,' 2026
- Wall Street Journal, 'Stock Market Trends,' 2026
- U.S. Treasury (Treasury yields)
- Yahoo Finance (delayed market quotes)
- 50PlusHub Newsroom