Good morning. It's Saturday, October 3, 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 the country.
This development comes as the US economy shows 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 the economy is stabilizing. Why it matters: This development may have a significant impact on the economy, as it could lead to lower interest rates and increased borrowing.
Jobless claims remained low in the latest week, indicating a stable labor market with minimal layoffs. Why it matters: This development is a positive sign for the economy, as it indicates that businesses are not laying off employees and 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 is taking steps to enforce this law.
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, due to an appeal by the defendant's lawyers.
Around the World
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. The incident is being investigated by the authorities, and the motives behind the attack are not yet clear.
European stocks opened lower, following a weak finish on Wall Street, and computer outages also affected trading.
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 trending downward, while the 10-year Treasury is near 5.28%. This means that investors are becoming more confident in the economy, and are investing in stocks rather than safer assets like gold and bonds.
Health & You
According to the National Institutes of Health, adults over 50 should prioritize their health by getting regular check-ups and screenings. This can help prevent chronic diseases like diabetes and heart disease, and can also help detect any health problems early on.
The NIH recommends that adults over 50 get a flu shot every year, and get screened for colon cancer and breast cancer regularly.
One Good Thing
Plus500 has announced an 11% increase in quarterly revenue, which is a positive sign for the economy. The company says it will meet expectations as a result of this growth, which is a good indication that businesses are performing well.
This development is a testament to the resilience of the economy, and is a positive note to end the day on.
On This Day
In 1955, The Mickey Mouse Club premiered on ABC television. In 1990, East and West Germany were formally reunified into a single nation. In 1995, O. J. Simpson was acquitted of murder in a Los Angeles trial that had transfixed the nation.
In 1925, Gore Vidal, American writer and essayist. (From the 50PlusHub Nostalgia archive.)
In conclusion, the US has ended its 12-year military mission in Iraq, and the economy is showing signs of stability. The Federal Reserve's inflation gauge for August was lower than expected, which may delay the next interest-rate hike until December.
As always, it's essential to stay informed about current events and their impact on our lives. And that's the way it is.
Sources
- National Institutes of Health, 'Health Information for Adults 50+,' NIH Website (2026)
- Federal Reserve, 'Inflation Gauge,' Federal Reserve Website (2026)
- Wall Street Journal, 'Stock Market Performance,' Wall Street Journal (2026)
- US Department of Labor, 'Jobless Claims,' US Department of Labor Website (2026)
- U.S. Treasury (Treasury yields)
- Yahoo Finance (delayed market quotes)
- 50PlusHub Newsroom