Iran war drives oil to $110 a barrel. Brent crude reached its highest level since May as attacks on vessels intensified around the Strait of Hormuz, with both Washington and Tehran claiming control of the waterway. The U.S. offered another 17 million barrels from its Strategic Petroleum Reserve as fuel pressures mounted.
Trump waives new Russia sanctions as Ukraine faces fresh attacks. Trump suspended sanctions under the Graham Act, citing national interests, amid a deal to purchase Russian diesel. Russian attacks reportedly killed at least eight people and cut power to 1 million. Officials said Ukraine’s Starlink and Starshield services were restored after restrictions; bipartisan senators demanded answers, while Trump denied ordering the limits.
Four killed in Oregon elementary-school shooting. A 16-year-old former student killed three children and a teacher at Silver Rail Elementary in Bend, according to the headlines. Police said the attacker targeted a special-education classroom. A teacher confronted him before an armed father of two students shot and killed him; reports say the gun had been purchased by the attacker’s mother.
White House press secretary exits after five days as midterm pressure grows. The White House confirmed Katie Zacharia’s departure following scrutiny of her legal credentials and a troubled debut. Separately, Cook Political Report shifted 11 House races away from Republicans, while fundraising disclosures showed strong Democratic candidate receipts and major Republican support from Elon Musk.
U.S. annual deficit approaches $2 trillion. The fiscal 2026 shortfall increased roughly 12%, with reported interest payments reaching a record $1.4 trillion. With national debt above $40 trillion, the IMF warned that economic growth alone would not resolve the fiscal problem.
AI financing worries deepen the tech selloff. CoreWeave shares and bonds faced steep weekly losses as debt-insurance costs hit a record, intensifying scrutiny of borrowing behind the AI infrastructure boom. The Financial Times reported that Anthropic was offering Blackstone a yield above 10% to help finance a proposed $60 billion package for Google chips. The IMF warned that an AI bubble’s collapse could damage the global economy.
U.S. measles cases climb to 4,410. The CDC is sending a disease investigator to Pennsylvania as outbreaks expand. Reports warn the country could lose its measles-elimination status within weeks—a designation it achieved 26 years ago.
Southern California wildfires burn homes and force evacuations. Fires affecting coastal communities, including Malibu and Orange County, triggered thousands of evacuation orders. Strong, hot winds complicated firefighting, while preventive power shutoffs affected tens of thousands.
Israeli settlers attack Palestinians and a U.S. journalist during the olive harvest. The Washington Post said its photojournalist was attacked in the occupied West Bank; reports described beatings of Palestinian farmers and burning olive groves. Separately, Gaza’s Health Ministry described malnutrition and starvation as catastrophic, with restrictions on commercial goods worsening food-affordability concerns.
Brewers reach the World Series; major sports availability and betting rules change. Milwaukee swept the Dodgers 4–0 for its first pennant since 1982, ending Los Angeles’ three-peat bid. Rain moved Rays–Guardians ALCS Game 4 to Saturday and Game 5 to Sunday. In the NFL, Jalen Hurts is out indefinitely with a blood clot, prompting Philadelphia to sign Joe Milton; the NBA and sportsbooks also agreed to eliminate several wager types, including single-player under parlays, amid gambling scandals.