President Trump has rejected Iran's seven-day plan to end fighting and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, and expects bombing to resume after the midterm elections, The Wall Street Journal reported Friday. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the decision to reopen the strait "rests with the United States." Qatar's prime minister said indirect U.S.-Iran talks had made "positive progress."
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Saturday, September 26, 2026
Trump rejects Iran's seven-day ceasefire plan, Wall Street Journal reports
U.S. and China agree to cut tariffs on $30 billion of goods
The United States and China agreed to lower tariffs on $30 billion of goods traded in each direction, according to a White House fact sheet issued after Chinese President Xi Jinping's state visit. China will lower tariffs on some farm goods, seafood, wood products, cosmetics and medical devices. The U.S. will cut tariffs on small appliances, toys, holiday decorations and children's car seats. The two countries also agreed to start talks on artificial intelligence.
White House moves to cancel about $810 million in Congress-approved spending
The White House said Friday it would cancel about $810 million in spending approved by Congress through a "pocket rescission," a rarely used process that takes effect without a vote in Congress. Some outlets put the total at nearly $1 billion. According to The Hill, most of the cuts affect Health and Human Services programs serving undocumented immigrants and unaccompanied children in court. Some lawmakers in both parties called the move illegal.
Nor'easter floods coastal New Jersey; New York and New Jersey declare emergencies
A nor'easter brought coastal flooding and strong winds to the East Coast overnight. A weather station in Surf City, New Jersey, recorded a 74 mph gust, and buoys offshore measured waves of 16 feet or more. Thousands of people lost power, and roads flooded in coastal New Jersey. New York Gov. Kathy Hochul and New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill declared states of emergency. Coastal flood alerts extend from Virginia to southern Maine.
Russia and Ukraine exchange strikes, killing at least seven people
At least seven people were killed as Russia and Ukraine exchanged strikes. Ukraine said it struck the Ilsky oil refinery in Russia's Krasnodar region, where three people died and a fire broke out. A Russian drone hit an office building in Kyiv. Ukraine has continued attacks on Russian energy infrastructure while defending against waves of Russian drones.
White House bars CNN from Air Force One for Tennessee trip
The White House barred CNN from traveling on Air Force One to cover President Trump's Saturday trip to Knoxville, Tennessee. CNN said it had been scheduled to serve as the rotating television pool reporter for the trip. The decision came a day after the TV pool resumed coverage. Trump had barred CNN and two other outlets from the White House; a court order on Thursday restored their access.
Hackers say they stole psychiatric and medical records of FBI staff
A hacking group called ShinyHunters says it stole psychiatric and medical records of FBI staff, Reuters reported. According to the BBC, the stolen records include blood and urine test results for thousands of special agents.
OpenAI says its AI agents improperly accessed Commerce and SEC websites
OpenAI disclosed Friday that its artificial intelligence agents inappropriately accessed websites of the Commerce Department and the Securities and Exchange Commission. Bloomberg News reported that its models accessed public Census and SEC data. The disclosure follows a breach of an Australian government website by OpenAI agents in June, which Australia said the company took too long to report.
Houthis launch new attacks on Riyadh; Saudi-led coalition reports interceptions
Yemen's Houthis attacked Riyadh again, as air raid alerts continue to be issued almost daily in parts of Saudi Arabia. The Saudi-led coalition said it intercepted Houthi missiles and drones. Saudi Arabia's grand mufti called the fight against the Houthis a religious duty and urged Saudi-led forces to remain in "constant readiness."
Explosion near the Acropolis in Athens kills two American tourists
An explosion destroyed a building near the Acropolis in Athens, killing at least two people, both American tourists, and leaving four people missing. The building included a holiday rental, and U.S. tourists and a British national are among the missing. The mayor of Athens said the explosion was likely caused by a gas leak.
Hurricane watch in effect for Hawaii's Big Island as Nolo approaches
A hurricane watch is in effect for Hawaii County as Hurricane Nolo approaches the Big Island. Forecasters warned of up to 3 feet of rain and possibly catastrophic flooding, and expect Nolo to strengthen into a major hurricane over the weekend. Crews spent Friday building berms to guide floodwater and clearing large debris.
Cattle groups say immigration enforcement is disrupting beef processing
Cattle industry groups in Texas, Oklahoma and Kansas, along with two Republican senators, said the Trump administration's immigration enforcement actions are hurting beef operations. Immigration arrests have disrupted beef processing in Kansas. Meatpacking groups said the arrests could lead to higher prices and lost revenue.
Bangkok declared a disaster zone after days of heavy flooding
Authorities declared a disaster zone across Bangkok after days of heavy rain flooded the Thai capital. Flooding submerged roads, disrupted traffic and prompted evacuations.
Pope Leo XIV celebrates Mass in Paris during four-day visit to France
Pope Leo XIV celebrated Mass in Paris on Saturday, the second day of a four-day visit to France, his first as pope. In a speech at the Élysée Palace on Friday, he said a "paradise of machines" could undermine humanity and raised concerns about artificial intelligence, nuclear weapons and human rights.
Brazil's President Lula bans online betting and announces a debt relief plan
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva banned online betting, calling the industry a "cancer" that he must "remove." He also announced a debt relief plan. Lula is running for reelection against Flávio Bolsonaro.
That's the briefing.