Good morning. It's Saturday, October 24, 2026. Today's top stories include the US ending its military mission in Iraq, a significant development in the country's history.
The number of jobless claims remained low, 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 significant impact on the US economy, as interest rates affect borrowing costs and economic growth.
Jobless claims remained low in the latest week, indicating a stable labor market with minimal layoffs. The number of claims stayed below expectations, suggesting that the labor market remains strong.
Why it matters: This development is good news for workers, as it indicates that the labor market is stable and that layoffs are minimal.
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 provides a way for individuals to report non-compliant platforms.
The US has also seen a significant development in the Christa Gail Pike case, with a federal appeals court stopping her execution in Tennessee just before it was scheduled to start. The execution was halted about an hour before its planned beginning, and the case will now be reviewed further.
Around the World
European stocks started the day with losses after a weak finish on Wall Street, with computer outages also affecting trading. The losses were significant, with major indexes down several percentage points.
The situation in the Middle East remains volatile, 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.
Your Money
The market direction is downward, with major indexes falling. The Dow, S&P 500, Nasdaq, and Russell 2000 are all down, while Gold is also down. However, Oil is up, and the 10-year Treasury is near 5.00%.
This development may have a significant impact on investors, as a downward market direction can affect portfolio values. The Plus500 quarterly revenue increase of 11% is good news for investors, as it indicates that the company is growing and meeting expectations.
Health & You
A healthy diet and regular exercise are essential for maintaining good health, especially for adults 50+. The National Institutes of Health recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week, as well as strength training exercises at least two times per week.
A balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help to maintain good health and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
One Good Thing
The US ending its military mission in Iraq is a significant development that marks a new chapter in the country's history. The withdrawal of US forces is a positive step towards stability and peace in the region.
This development is good news for the US and for the world, as it indicates a shift towards diplomacy and away from military intervention.
On This Day
In 1929, The stock market began its catastrophic collapse on Black Thursday. In 1945, The United Nations officially came into existence as its charter took effect. In 1936, Bill Wyman, English bassist of the Rolling Stones.
In 1947, Kevin Kline, American actor. (From the 50PlusHub Nostalgia archive.)
And that's the way it is. The US ending its military mission in Iraq and the low jobless claims are significant developments that indicate a shift towards stability and peace in the region and a strong labor market.
We will continue to monitor these developments and provide updates as more information becomes available.
Sources
- Federal Reserve, 'Inflation Gauge,' 2026
- US Department of Labor, 'Jobless Claims,' 2026
- National Institutes of Health, 'Physical Activity Guidelines,' 2026
- Wall Street Journal, 'Market Direction,' 2026
- US Department of State, 'US Military Mission in Iraq,' 2026
- U.S. Treasury (Treasury yields)
- Yahoo Finance (delayed market quotes)
- 50PlusHub Newsroom