International

U.S. Fed Holds Interest Rates Steady, Warsh Says Economy Not Running Too Hot

The US Federal Reserve kept its benchmark interest rate unchanged at 3.75%–4.00% on October 28, following a 10–2 vote. The decision came amid persistent inflation and ahead of the upcoming US midterm elections, although Fed Chair Kevin Warsh denied that the elections influenced the decision. The Fed described economic growth as “strong,” while investment remained robust and job gains continued to keep pace with workforce growth. However, inflation remains approximately one percentage point above the central bank’s 2% target, with limited progress in recent months. Officials expressed concern that stronger-than-expected inflation could become entrenched as businesses and households adjust their expectations. The Fed stated that further economic data would guide future monetary policy decisions. Although no immediate rate increase was announced, the possibility of additional hikes remains open if inflation continues to exceed expectations. The central bank reiterated its commitment to restoring price stability and achieving its long-standing 2% inflation target.

U.S. Midterms 2026: Trump Rallies Republicans To Turn Out And Vote In Stronghold Iowa

US President Donald Trump held a rally in Sioux City, Iowa, on Thursday to strengthen Republican support ahead of the November midterm elections. Republicans face growing challenges due to rising fuel and grocery prices, economic dissatisfaction and opposition to the Iran war. Trump urged supporters to vote, warning that Republican losses could weaken his political agenda. Republican Senate candidate Ashley Hinson cautioned that losing Iowa’s Senate seat could hand control of the chamber to Democrats. Meanwhile, Democratic candidate Rob Sand is leading Republican Zach Lahn in recent gubernatorial polling. A Marist poll found that 42% of likely voters felt their financial situation had worsened over the past year. A Reuters/Ipsos poll showed Trump’s approval rating had fallen to 31%, while 68% disapproved of his economic performance. Farmers are also concerned about rising costs and trade uncertainty. The outcome of Iowa’s competitive races could influence congressional control and Trump’s ability to advance his agenda during his final two years in office.

U.S. Midterms 2026: Trump Heckled During Campaign Event In South Carolina

President Donald Trump faced multiple protests at his rally in South Carolina, where he was interrupted at least four times. The disruptions occurred during his campaign appearance in support of Senator Lindsey Graham ahead of the midterm elections. Trump alleged that the protesters were paid to interrupt his rallies, repeating a claim he has frequently made at campaign events. Tensions escalated when at least one rallygoer threw a punch toward a protester, prompting law enforcement to remove several people from the arena. Trump addressed the incident from the stage, asking the crowd whether everyone was safe. He described the confrontation as “incredible” and asked who had thrown the punch. Trump then compared the individual’s actions to those of former professional boxer Evander Holyfield, who was present at the rally supporting Trump and Graham. The incident highlighted the repeated disruptions and occasional confrontations that have marked Trump’s recent campaign appearances.

What Is Trump's Fraud WhistleBlower Incentive Program?

US President Donald Trump announced the Fraud WhistleBlower Incentive Program on October 20 to combat fraud, corruption and waste in federal spending. Speaking at the Oval Office, Trump said citizens, independent journalists and others would be encouraged to report suspected misuse of taxpayer money through a new government website, fraud.gov. Under the initiative, individuals whose information leads to the recovery of government funds would receive a 1% commission, with rewards potentially reaching millions of dollars in major cases. Trump indicated that journalists who help expose fraud could also qualify for financial incentives. Vice President JD Vance said the programme would help protect taxpayer-funded assistance and public services from abuse. Trump also stated that he would personally serve as the final arbiter in disputes over reward claims through a binding arbitration process. He further argued that reducing fraud and government waste could significantly help lower the federal deficit, alongside efforts to reduce US trade deficits with countries such as Canada and Mexico.

France Protests: Macron Addresses Nation As Protesters Set Iconic Town Hall On Fire

Protests over rising living costs and declining public services continued across France on Sunday, October 18, following demonstrations that began with students demanding more teachers and improved school conditions. According to the Interior Ministry, around 550,000 people participated in nationwide demonstrations on Saturday, October 17. Although most protests remained peaceful, several cities experienced violence, looting and fires, with burning debris sending thick black smoke into the streets of Paris. French President Emmanuel Macron condemned those responsible for vandalism and ordered a review of possible intelligence failures and inadequate police preparedness. He also proposed empowering local authorities to ban certain gatherings and called for discussions involving students, teachers, lawmakers, trade unions and business leaders to develop solutions. In Limoges, residents gathered to condemn the destruction of the historic town hall, which was set ablaze during the unrest. Local prefect Maurice Barate denounced the attackers as “enemies of the republic.” The fire destroyed the building's roof and clock tower, highlighting the severity of the violence.

Italy Protests: Protesters Clash With Police In Centre Of Milan

Police clashed with protesters in Milan on Sunday, October 18, during demonstrations against declining public services and the rising cost of living. Several hundred hooded protesters threw stones, smashed shop windows and set rubbish bins on fire near the central Piazza Duomo. Police in riot gear responded by firing tear gas to disperse the crowds. According to investigative sources, more than 60 protesters were taken to police stations for further checks. The unrest followed similar clashes on Saturday across northern Italian cities, including Milan, Bologna, Brescia, Bergamo and Turin, where 28 protesters were arrested. Authorities attempted to clear demonstrators from the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II shopping arcade near Milan Cathedral. Shops closed their shutters, tourists fled the area, and the Duomo metro station was temporarily shut. Several people were reportedly injured. The unrest mirrored protests in neighbouring France, where demonstrators also expressed anger over rising living costs and deteriorating public services.

Canada Military Base Fire | Grass Fire Turns Deadly | 4 Soldiers Dead, 19 Critically Injured

A devastating fire at Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Wainwright in Alberta, Canada, killed at least four soldiers and left 19 people in critical condition on October 17. The fire broke out around 4 p.m. in a military training area where personnel were conducting drills. Officials said it began with smoldering grass, while strong winds reaching 96 km/h rapidly spread the flames. A total of 39 people were hospitalized, with patients receiving treatment in Edmonton, Wainwright, Calgary and Red Deer. Military and civilian firefighters battled the blaze overnight and continued extinguishing hotspots on Sunday. The fire also crossed the base boundary into a nearby district, although no evacuation orders were issued. Prime Minister Mark Carney described the incident as one of Canada's worst peacetime military tragedies on home soil and ordered federal flags lowered to half-staff. Defence Minister David McGuinty planned to visit the area, while Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre expressed condolences and pledged support for affected families and the community.

Oregon School Shooting: Gunman Opens Fire, Police Secure Area As Investigations Underway

A shooting at Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend, Oregon, on Thursday, October 15, left four people dead, including three children aged 5, 8 and 11, and one teacher. The suspected shooter, a 16-year-old, reportedly entered the school by shooting through locked doors and opened fire. He was later shot dead by an armed community member who pursued him into the school and intervened to prevent further casualties. A 7-year-old student and a 54-year-old teacher sustained critical injuries and were rushed to hospital. Police received emergency calls around 1 p.m. reporting gunfire at a vehicle outside the school, followed by reports of a shooter inside the building. Officers arrived within three minutes. Authorities evacuated approximately 450 students and 40 staff members to a nearby church while police searched the premises. Oregon Governor Tina Kotek praised the community member's intervention. Authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting.

'DONE WITH TRUMP'S ENERGY CEASEFIRE': Zelenskyy Says In Brussels, Meets EU Leaders

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that Ukraine would no longer observe the energy-target ceasefire after Russia continued missile and drone attacks despite US President Donald Trump’s announcement of an agreement on October 11. Zelenskyy indicated that Ukraine could resume strikes on Russian oil refineries. He also accused changes to SpaceX’s Starlink military system of deliberately restricting Ukraine’s drone operations, raising concerns about Kyiv’s dependence on American technology and intelligence. Zelenskyy criticised Washington’s willingness to pursue business deals with Moscow and its approach towards Russian President Vladimir Putin. Meanwhile, the United States has halted weapons supplies to Ukraine, although European allies can continue purchasing American arms for Kyiv. During the European Union summit in Brussels, Zelenskyy met French President Emmanuel Macron, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte. He urged continued military assistance, including missile interceptors and F-16 ammunition. EU leaders also discussed Ukraine’s security, rising energy prices, economic competitiveness and Chinese exports.

Houthis Claim Major Capture as Reports Name 47 Pakistani Soldiers | What We Know

Reports circulating online claim that 47 Pakistani soldiers were among personnel allegedly captured by Houthi forces in Yemen, triggering questions over Pakistan’s reported military involvement in the region.

‘Prices Will Come TUMBLING Down’ — Trump on Iran War

US President Donald Trump says the US is “kicking ass” in Iran and claims the country’s nuclear threat has been eliminated following American strikes. Trump said Iran’s nuclear capabilities are “buried under thousands of tonnes of rock” and predicted prices will “come tumbling down” once the war ends. He also claimed Iran has lost its navy, air force and air defences, while asserting that the US controls the Strait of Hormuz.