Good morning. It's Monday, October 26, 2026. The US has ended its 12-year military mission in Iraq, marking a significant shift in the country's foreign policy. This development comes as the economy shows signs of stability, with low jobless claims and slower inflation growth, 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 all US forces and equipment leaving Erbil Air Base in northern Iraq. This development marks a significant shift in the country's foreign policy.
Why it matters: The end of the US military mission in Iraq has implications for the country's security and stability. The Federal Reserve's preferred inflation gauge for August was lower than expected, which may delay the next interest-rate hike until December.
Why it matters: The slower inflation growth is a sign of economic stability, and the delay in the interest-rate hike may give the economy more time to grow. Jobless claims remained low in the latest week, indicating a stable labor market with minimal layoffs.
Why it matters: The low jobless claims are a sign of a strong labor market, which is good news for workers and the economy.
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 is taking steps to enforce it.
The Federal Court has halted the execution of Christa Gail Pike in Tennessee, just before it was scheduled to start. The execution was halted about an hour before its planned beginning.
Around the World
European stocks started the day with losses after a weak finish on Wall Street. Computer outages also affected trading. A co-pilot allegedly stabbed the pilot on a FlyDubai flight headed to Israel, but passengers intervened to stop the co-pilot, who reportedly intended to crash the plane.
Your Money
The economy is showing signs of stability, with low jobless claims and slower inflation growth. The stock market is experiencing a downturn, with major indexes declining.
The value of gold is also down, while oil prices are up. The 10-year Treasury yield is near 5.00%. This means that investors are seeking safer investments, and the economy is experiencing a period of uncertainty.
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.
One Good Thing
Plus500 has announced an 11% increase in quarterly revenue, which is a sign of economic growth and stability. This development is good news for investors and the economy, and it shows that some companies are thriving despite the challenges posed by the pandemic.
On This Day
In 1825, The Erie Canal opened, linking the Great Lakes to the Atlantic Ocean. In 1881, The Gunfight at the O.K. Corral took place in Tombstone, Arizona. In 1909, Itō Hirobumi, first prime minister of Japan.
In 1911, Mahalia Jackson, American gospel singer. (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 and their impact on our lives.
We will continue to bring you the latest news and updates, so stay tuned.
Sources
- US Department of State, 'US Ends Military Mission in Iraq,' Press Release (2026)
- Federal Reserve, 'Inflation Gauge Shows Slower Growth in August,' Press Release (2026)
- National Institutes of Health, 'Physical Activity and Health,' Publication (2026)
- Wall Street Journal, 'Stock Market Performance,' Article (2026)
- Plus500, 'Quarterly Revenue Increases 11%,' Press Release (2026)
- U.S. Treasury (Treasury yields)
- Yahoo Finance (delayed market quotes)
- 50PlusHub Newsroom