Good morning. It's Thursday, October 22, 2026. The US has ended its 12-year military mission in Iraq, marking a significant development in the country's foreign policy. This news comes as the labor market remains stable, with jobless claims staying 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 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 foreign policy and its involvement 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 economy, as interest rates affect borrowing costs and consumer spending.
Jobless claims remained low in the latest week, indicating a stable labor market with minimal layoffs. The low number of jobless claims suggests that the labor market is strong, with few workers losing their jobs.
Why it matters: A stable labor market is essential for economic growth, as it indicates that workers are confident in their jobs and are more likely to spend money.
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 website provides a tool for individuals to report non-compliant platforms.
The FTC's move is part of a broader effort to protect consumers' online privacy and security. The US has also seen a significant development in the aviation sector, 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.
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 in European stocks may be a sign of a broader trend in the global economy, as investors become increasingly cautious about the outlook for growth.
In other news, a sculpture has been created to protest against OpenAI, depicting its leaders escaping a sinking ship. The sculpture is the latest in a series of creative protests against the company.
Your Money
The market direction is positive, with major indexes moving upward. The Dow, S&P 500, Nasdaq, and Russell 2000 are all up, indicating a strong day for investors. Gold is also up, while oil is down.
The 10-year Treasury is near 5.13%, indicating a stable interest rate environment. This positive market direction may be a sign of increasing investor confidence, as the economy continues to grow and inflation remains under control.
Health & You
According to the National Institutes of Health, adults 50 and older should prioritize getting enough sleep to maintain their physical and mental health. Most adults in this age group need 7-9 hours of sleep per night, and getting enough sleep can help prevent chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease.
The NIH recommends establishing a consistent sleep schedule, avoiding caffeine and electronics before bedtime, and creating a relaxing sleep environment to improve sleep quality.
One Good Thing
A new contract signed by Kirk Herbstreit with Thursday Night Football includes flexibility for Amazon, which may lead to more innovative and engaging sports broadcasting. This development is a positive sign for sports fans, who can look forward to more exciting and interactive broadcasts in the future.
The contract also highlights the growing importance of streaming services in the sports industry, as more and more fans turn to online platforms to watch their favorite teams and players.
On This Day
In 1879, The Edison incandescent lamp burned continuously for over thirteen hours in a landmark test. In 1962, President Kennedy announced a naval blockade of Cuba in a televised address to the nation.
In 1917, Joan Fontaine, British-American film actress. In 1938, Christopher Lloyd, American actor. (From the 50PlusHub Nostalgia archive.)
That's the way it is for Thursday, October 22, 2026. We hope you found this briefing informative and helpful. Remember to prioritize your sleep and stay up to date with the latest news and developments in the world.
Sources
- Federal Reserve, 'Inflation Gauge', 2026
- National Institutes of Health, 'Sleep and Health', 2026
- Financial news sources, 2026
- US Department of Labor, 'Jobless Claims', 2026
- U.S. Treasury (Treasury yields)
- Yahoo Finance (delayed market quotes)
- 50PlusHub Newsroom