Good morning. It's Wednesday, October 28, 2026. The US has ended its 12-year military mission in Iraq, marking a significant development in the country's history. This news comes as the US economy continues to show signs of stability, with jobless claims remaining low and the Federal Reserve's inflation gauge showing slower growth in August.
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 US's involvement in the region.
Why it matters: The end of the US military mission in Iraq has significant implications for the country's future and the region's stability. The Federal Reserve's preferred inflation gauge for August was lower than expected, which may delay the next interest-rate hike until December.
This development could have a significant impact on the US economy and interest rates. Why it matters: The slower growth in inflation may give the Federal Reserve more time to assess the economy before making a decision on interest rates.
Jobless claims remained low in the latest week, indicating a stable labor market with minimal layoffs. Why it matters: The low jobless claims suggest that the US labor market is strong, which could have a positive impact on 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. This development is a significant step in protecting individuals' privacy and safety online.
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 filed by Pike's lawyers.
Around the World
European stocks started the day with losses after a weak finish on Wall Street, due to computer outages that affected trading. This development has significant implications for the global economy and financial markets.
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. This incident highlights the importance of airline safety and security.
Your Money
The US stock market is up, with the Dow, S&P 500, Nasdaq, and Russell 2000 all showing gains. Gold is also up, while oil is down. The 10-year Treasury is near 4.99%. This development suggests that the US economy is strong, with investors showing confidence in the market.
The low jobless claims and slower growth in inflation also suggest that the economy is stable, which could have a positive impact on interest rates and the stock market.
Health & You
According to the National Institutes of Health, adults 50+ can reduce their risk of chronic diseases by engaging in regular physical activity and maintaining a healthy diet. The NIH recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week, and strength training exercises at least two times per week.
This can help to reduce the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and some types of cancer.
One Good Thing
The US has made significant progress in reducing the number of homeless veterans, with a decline of over 50% since 2010, according to the Department of Housing and Urban Development. This development is a testament to the efforts of organizations and individuals working to support homeless veterans and provide them with access to housing and services.
On This Day
In 1886, The Statue of Liberty was dedicated in New York Harbor. In 1962, Soviet premier Khrushchev agreed to remove missiles from Cuba, defusing the crisis. In 1965, The Gateway Arch in St. Louis was completed.
In 1818, Abigail Adams, American first lady. (From the 50PlusHub Nostalgia archive.)
In conclusion, the US has ended its 12-year military mission in Iraq, and jobless claims remained low in the latest week. The Federal Reserve's inflation gauge showed slower growth in August, 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. Thank you for joining me on this edition of the Daily Briefing. And that's the way it is.
Sources
- US Department of Defense, '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)
- Department of Housing and Urban Development, 'Homeless Veterans', Report (2026)
- U.S. Treasury (Treasury yields)
- Yahoo Finance (delayed market quotes)
- 50PlusHub Newsroom