FINANCIAL TIMES
-The euro is experiencing its strongest rally since 2017, with predictions from Wall Street banks suggesting that it could rise further, potentially surpassing $1.20. The euro has already appreciated over 12% against the US dollar this year, driven by growing optimism regarding Eurozone economic growth and concerns about US President Donald Trump’s policies. This bullish sentiment has been termed a “global euro moment” by European Central Bank president Christine Lagarde, as the euro recently peaked at a four-year high above $1.19 before settling back to $1.17. Major investment banks like Goldman Sachs, JPMorgan, and UBS anticipate that the euro will cross the $1.20 benchmark in the near future as ongoing interest rate cuts by the US Federal Reserve diminish the appeal of dollar-denominated assets.
-Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the UN General Assembly, asserting Israel's commitment to opposing the establishment of a Palestinian state and concluding military actions against Hamas, amidst renewed US efforts to resolve the ongoing Gaza conflict. Speaking to a largely empty assembly at the UN headquarters, he acknowledged a forthcoming meeting with President Donald Trump, whom he praised as a strong ally. Netanyahu's remarks were an attempt to mitigate any potential pressure from Trump to cease hostilities in Gaza. He restated Israel's firm demand for Hamas to disarm and to release the 48 hostages it currently holds, expressing assurance that approximately 20 of these individuals are still alive. Netanyahu declared that Hamas would face severe consequences if they failed to comply: “If you do, you will live. If you don’t, Israel will hunt you down.” He also claimed to have utilized loudspeakers and technology to broadcast his message into Gaza, a claim veiled in controversy due to local disputes. "Israel must finish the job," he emphasized, signifying an unwavering stance moving forward in the conflict.
-President Donald Trump has indicated that his administration will pursue further prosecutions against political adversaries, shortly after the Justice Department brought criminal charges against former FBI Director James Comey. In an interaction on Friday morning, Trump mentioned that while he does not have a specific list of individuals to target, he warned that "there will be others" facing scrutiny from federal prosecutors, suggesting a potential campaign against critics and opponents. He characterized those involved as "corrupt, radical-left Democrats" while preparing to attend the Ryder Cup in New York. Emphasizing his perspective, Trump remarked, “It’s about justice.
-German lawmakers are expressing strong opposition to government initiatives aimed at awarding substantial arms contracts, amounting to hundreds of millions of euros, without the competitive process of public tenders. The budget committee of the Bundestag has indicated to the Financial Times their refusal to endorse plans for the military procurement agency to directly award a contract to Rohde & Schwarz, a Munich-based electronics firm, for the development of a mobile reconnaissance system. Committee member Andreas Mattfeldt, representing the ruling Christian Democrats, emphasized the importance of transparency and value for taxpayers, asserting their right to ensure that procurement processes yield the best products at the most competitive prices.
-US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth's decision to convene hundreds of generals and admirals next week in Virginia has raised significant alarm among defence experts and military officers. The meeting, which is unprecedented and shrouded in secrecy, has left invitees uncertain about the agenda, fueling concerns about the potential impact on active operations and the military's capacity to respond to any crises during this time. According to a US defence official, hundreds of general and flag officers, which include admirals and officers holding one to four stars, are to assemble, along with their senior enlisted advisers. As of June, there were 838 active duty general and flag officers, with 446 in the higher ranks of two, three, and four stars, although the precise number summoned for Hegseth's meeting remains unclear. Chief Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell confirmed that Hegseth will be addressing these senior military leaders early next week, although further details regarding the meeting have not been disclosed, as first reported by the Washington Post.
-Overseas sales of US soyabeans, the country's top agricultural export, have significantly decreased due to China’s refusal to purchase American soyabeans, marking a "devastating" impact on US farmers. As the new export season commences, data reveals that there have been no sales or shipments to China, a drastic change from the previous year when 6.5 million tons had been exported. The current harvest season in the US has led to piling inventories, exacerbated by the fall harvest's arrival, contributing to lower prices. Historically, more than half of US soyabeans were exported to China, the largest global buyer; however, stalled trade negotiations between Washington and Beijing have resulted in no deliveries this season, forcing farmers to confront the challenges of overly stocked bins and falling market prices, while China turns to record amounts of soyabeans from Brazil instead.
-The European Union (EU) is set to develop plans for constructing and financing a network of interlinked drone defenses throughout its borders and critical infrastructures. This initiative, announced by the EU's defense commissioner Andrius Kubilius, comes in response to a series of recent airspace violations by Russian aircraft, both manned and unmanned. In a swift reaction, EU defense ministers convened an emergency meeting to address the issue, where it was highlighted that the current capability to detect drones falls significantly short of the necessary standards.
-China's industrial profits saw a notable recovery in August, demonstrating a growth of 20.4% compared to the same month the previous year. This growth comes as a response to President Xi Jinping's intensified pressure on businesses, aimed at addressing aggressive price competition that has arisen due to industrial overcapacity. In contrast, profits had experienced a decline of 1.5% in July.
-Video game developer Electronic Arts is on the verge of finalizing a deal valued at approximately $50B to transition into private ownership, backed by a consortium that includes notable investors such as Silver Lake and Affinity Partners, led by Jared Kushner, the son-in-law of former President Donald Trump. This potential transaction represents one of the largest leveraged buyouts in history. According to sources familiar with the negotiations, an official announcement regarding the deal could be made as soon as the upcoming Monday, pending the resolution of any unexpected obstacles. The consortium also boasts involvement from Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, highlighting the significant financial backing and interest in EA's privatization.
-In an interview, Marc Winterhoff, the interim chief executive of Lucid Motors, stated that the US electric vehicle manufacturer is expected to raise additional equity next year despite recent developments indicating a possible path to profitability. The company expanded its partnership with Uber, which has become its second-largest shareholder with a $300M investment, and secured an order for 20,000 new Gravity SUV models intended for a self-driving taxi fleet set to launch in a US city next year. However, Winterhoff cautioned that while the current funding should last until the second half of 2026, further capital will be necessary before the company can attain profitability or break-even independently. Compounding these challenges, a setback occurred when the Trump administration's spending bill abolished a significant $7,500 EV tax incentive, alongside the termination of emissions trading programs that had benefited not only Lucid but also competitors like Tesla and Rivian. This legislative change has impacted Lucid’s financial outlook and profitability strategy.
NEW YORK TIMES
-The Department of Justice (DOJ) has issued a subpoena for records concerning the travel history of Fani T. Willis, the Georgia district attorney who charged President Trump regarding election interference. The subpoena relates to activities around the time of the previous year's election, although the specific reasons for this investigation remain unclear. It is uncertain whether Willis is the direct target of this inquiry or if she will face any charges, given the secretive nature of grand jury proceedings. The investigation appears to be a continuation of actions taken by the DOJ under President Trump, who has recently indicted former FBI director James B. Comey, despite pushback from career prosecutors who believed there was insufficient evidence for the charges. This situation raises questions about the ongoing tensions and legal battles involving Trump and his adversaries.
-Judge Michael S. Nachmanoff, a Biden appointee, will preside over the high-profile case against former FBI Director James B. Comey in the Eastern District of Virginia. Nachmanoff's extensive background in the courthouse includes roles as a law clerk, public defender, and now a federal jurist, providing him with a seasoned perspective on politically sensitive cases. He was confirmed in 2021 with bipartisan support, including from Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, who notably led the congressional hearing that is central to the two-count indictment facing Comey. This trial is poised to attract significant national attention, as it unfolds in the same jurisdiction where Comey once served as a prosecutor.
-The Supreme Court's ruling on Friday permits the Trump administration to withhold $4B in foreign aid that Congress had appropriated, marking a significant preliminary examination of President Trump's attempts to assert greater control over fiscal decisions. The court's conservative majority justified the decision by prioritizing the president's authority in foreign affairs over potential negative impacts on aid recipients. However, the justices emphasized that this ruling is provisional and does not signify a conclusive resolution on the underlying issues. In dissent, the three liberal justices highlighted the gravity of the matter regarding the distribution of power between the executive branch and Congress, asserting that it deserved more comprehensive judicial scrutiny. Justice Elena Kagan articulated the critical nature of the issue, joined by Justices Sonia Sotomayor and Ketanji Brown Jackson, underscoring the implications for governmental funding processes.
-Texas Tech University has become the first major public higher education institution in the United States to limit academic discussions to two genders, in compliance with an executive order from President Trump. A letter issued to faculty mandated adherence to this order, which recognizes only male and female genders, raising concerns among professors and advocates for academic freedom throughout Texas. This decision indicates a possible expansion of efforts to restrict discussions surrounding transgender issues from K-12 education into higher education, despite no existing ban at the collegiate level. Other public universities and community colleges in Texas are reportedly considering similar actions, although none have formalized guidance like Texas Tech has. This movement follows a recent law enacted in Mississippi that prohibits the promotion of diversity, equity, and inclusion, along with the discouragement of "transgender ideology" in educational institutions, although its implementation is currently restrained by a federal court ruling.
-On September 26, 2025, the Trump administration formally petitioned the Supreme Court to enforce President Trump’s executive order that seeks to terminate the principle of birthright citizenship in the United States. Birthright citizenship traditionally grants automatic citizenship to children born on American soil, a practice that has been a fundamental aspect of American immigration law. The executive order, which was signed immediately upon Trump's inauguration, has faced legal challenges and been obstructed by lower courts since its inception.
-Alex Soros, son of billionaire George Soros, expressed his determination to resist pressures from the Trump administration in light of potential investigations into the Open Society Foundations (OSF), which he leads. Speaking during a panel in Manhattan, Alex stated emphatically that the organization would not retreat from its human rights initiatives, declaring that it would only do so "over my dead body." This comment was made following a report that indicated a senior Justice Department official had instructed multiple U.S. attorney's offices to prepare for investigations into the OSF. Alex Soros' confrontational stance towards President Trump highlights his belief that the nation is approaching a critical juncture, prompting him to engage actively in defense of the foundations' work and mission.
-Several US military officers, including hundreds of generals and admirals, have been called to attend an unprecedented meeting at a military base in Virginia, organized by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. Scheduled for next week, the meeting is aimed at delivering a “rally the troops” message to instill a war-fighter culture within the Pentagon, a priority for Hegseth’s administration. Senior Trump administration officials have highlighted that one of the key objectives is to invigorate service members regarding the department’s new direction. The event is considered both disruptive and costly, raising concerns among military leadership, particularly in light of recent firings of several high-ranking officers by Hegseth, which has led to anxiety within the ranks. During the meeting, Hegseth is expected to outline his vision for the Department of Defense, including new military fitness standards and other important topics relevant to senior service members, as correspondence to Congress indicates. This engagement represents a significant moment for the D.O.D. as it seeks to motivate its leaders and reshape its operational strategies.
-On September 26, 2025, Ian Roberts, superintendent of Des Moines Public Schools, was detained by federal immigration officials who accused him of living and working illegally in the United States. Originally from Guyana, Roberts entered the U.S. in 1999 on a student visa. However, he received a deportation order from an immigration judge in May 2024 and had reportedly been evading authorities since then. Prior to his arrest, Roberts had no work authorization and had faced weapon possession charges in the past.
His detention sparked an impromptu protest in downtown Des Moines, reflecting a widespread concern among residents and school leaders about both the legitimacy of ICE's claims and the vetting process of the school district.
-President Trump expressed optimism about a potential peace deal in Gaza, stating, "it’s looking like we have a deal," and suggesting that his administration may appoint former British Prime Minister Tony Blair to oversee Gaza post-conflict. He emphasized his commitment to preventing Israel from annexing the West Bank, indicating a significant pushback against right-wing factions in Israel advocating for such actions. The crux of whether Trump can effectively conclude the nearly two-year conflict hinges on his ability to influence Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has remained resolute in his military approach even as several Western nations recognized a Palestinian state. According to Ned Lazarus, an international affairs expert, Trump may be one of the few individuals capable of steering Netanyahu away from his current trajectory, highlighting the delicate balance of power and diplomacy involved in the ongoing situation.
-Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivered a combative speech at the United Nations, unequivocally rejecting calls for Palestinian statehood, which he described as “national suicide” for Israel. Speaking to a largely empty hall—a reflection of Israel's increasing diplomatic isolation—Netanyahu condemned the recognition of Palestine by over 150 countries as “disgraceful.” This statement comes amid heightened criticism of Israel’s military actions in Gaza, particularly from Western nations like Britain, France, and Canada, which have recently shifted their positions to recognize Palestine. Netanyahu declared that Israel will not accept what he termed a "terror state" being forced upon it, viewing such acceptance as a shameful act for those countries that support it.
-As Steve Witkoff, serving as President Trump’s envoy to the Middle East, engaged in sensitive cease-fire negotiations between Israel and Hamas, his son, Alex Witkoff, was simultaneously pursuing significant financial investments from Gulf states. In a strategic move, Alex sought to raise billions for a planned investment fund that would target commercial real estate projects within the United States, leveraging relationships with the same governments involved in his father's discussions. Key among these countries was Qatar, known for its mediation role in the Gaza negotiations and as a crucial ally of the USA in the region. Alex reportedly pitched his fund to Qatari officials, emphasizing prior commitments he had secured from government-affiliated investment funds in Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Kuwait. This dual engagement showcases the intricate web of diplomacy and business interests at play in the Middle East, with familial connections intertwining diplomatic efforts with private investment opportunities.
-Russia's recent military provocations in Europe have escalated significantly, coinciding with a perceived reduction in US support under President Trump. In just three weeks, Russian actions have included the deployment of drones into Poland and Romania, the incursion of fighter jets into Estonian airspace, and provocations involving a German Navy frigate in the Baltic Sea. Additionally, Moscow is reportedly backing a covert operation aimed at influencing the upcoming elections in Moldova (sic). These aggressive maneuvers have raised alarms among European officials, who fear that Russia is intensifying its antagonism toward Europe amidst a shifting geopolitical landscape.
-President Trump's recent tariffs have initiated a legal examination by the Supreme Court, particularly regarding tariffs imposed on countries such as Switzerland and India. However, in anticipation of potential judicial setbacks, the Trump administration is establishing an alternative tariff framework that operates beyond the reach of current legal challenges. This new system of tariffs, which is grounded in national security laws under Section 232, encompasses over a third of all US imports. The products affected by these tariffs are vital for American businesses and consumers, covering sectors such as automotive, machinery, medical devices, and semiconductors. As this situation unfolds, the administration's strategic use of national security provisions aims to reinforce its tariff policies despite ongoing judicial proceedings.
NEW YORK POST
-On September 27, 2025, the U.S. State Department announced its decision to revoke Colombian President Gustavo Petro's visa following his controversial remarks urging U.S. troops to "disobey" President Trump. This incident occurred during a protest outside the United Nations headquarters in New York City, where Petro addressed a crowd through a megaphone while attending the UN General Assembly. He called for U.S. soldiers to refuse orders and avoid violence, stating, “Disobey the orders of Trump. Obey the orders of humanity!” Petro's actions were perceived as reckless and incendiary, prompting the State Department to declare that such behavior warranted visa revocation. This protest featured Petro alongside Roger Waters, the co-founder of Pink Floyd, both of whom emphasized anti-Israel sentiment while standing beside a large Palestinian flag.
-The FBI has dismissed several agents who were photographed kneeling in a show of solidarity during a racial justice protest in Washington, which occurred following the 2020 death of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police officers. This decision was confirmed by three sources familiar with the situation, who requested anonymity while discussing personnel matters with The Associated Press. Initially, the agents were reassigned last spring, but they have since been fired. Although the exact number of terminated employees is unclear, it is reported that approximately 20 agents were let go. The controversial photographs depicted these agents participating in a demonstration that arose from the national outrage over Floyd's death, which significantly heightened awareness and conversations around policing practices and racial injustice across the United States after the widely circulated video of the incident.