Lowe's

The United States and China have reached a trade agreement to lower tariffs on roughly $30 billion worth of goods described as non-sensitive, following a meeting between President Donald Trump and President Xi Jinping this week. The deal is expected to reduce prices on consumer products such as small appliances, toys and holiday items. Analysts say it marks a step toward easing tensions between the world's two largest economies, though the scope is limited to goods both sides consider low-stakes.

Italy's parliament has approved a law paving the way for the country's return to nuclear power, more than three decades after Italians voted to shut down the country's nuclear plants following the 1987 Chernobyl disaster. The move would allow new nuclear facilities and advanced reactor projects as Italy seeks reliable low-carbon energy, but it reopens a debate many Italians remember vividly from the Chernobyl era and earlier referendums.

Japanese authorities have urged nearly two million people to evacuate as a powerful typhoon sweeps across the country, bringing destructive winds, heavy rain and the risk of flooding and landslides. Local officials have opened shelters and warned residents in low-lying and coastal areas to move to safety, with transport disrupted across affected regions.

A new NBC News poll shows President Donald Trump's approval rating falling to 41% among registered voters, the lowest of his second term, with 55% disapproving. More voters also criticized his handling of the economy, a concern landing as the closely watched midterm elections approach.

CNN's senior data reporter Harry Enten is breaking down new polling that shows President Trump reaching his lowest approval numbers yet, describing the figures as 'stunning'. The analysis points to declining support across key demographic and issue areas, fueling debate about the political implications heading into upcoming elections and whether the trend signals lasting erosion of his base.

Reserve Bank of Australia Governor Michele Bullock says the days of low interest rates are gone, signalling that borrowing costs are likely to stay elevated for the foreseeable future. The warning matters for Australian households and businesses still adjusting to higher mortgage repayments, and it has drawn wide attention as people weigh what a permanently higher rate environment means for housing and the wider economy.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says additional measles cases in the United States are expected as the upcoming travel season gets underway, raising concerns about further spread of the disease. The warning points to travelers bringing infections back from abroad and the risk of outbreaks in communities with low vaccination rates. Health officials continue to urge people to confirm they are fully vaccinated before traveling.

Ukraine has hit an oil refinery deep inside Russian territory, reportedly 1,550 kilometres from the border, using cheap drones built with 3D printers and fishing line rather than expensive military hardware. Commenters are highlighting how low-cost, garage-built technology is allowing Ukraine to strike strategic targets far behind the front line and outpace Russia's defences.

US Treasury yields have pushed into 5% territory, and Wall Street analysts are suggesting that rates around this level could become the new norm rather than a temporary spike. The shift is weighing on fixed-income ETF returns, which are plummeting as higher yields depress bond prices. Investors are reassessing portfolios built for a low-rate world, with implications for equities, mortgage rates and government borrowing costs across markets.

Palau's president addressed the United Nations General Assembly, highlighting climate change and rising global tensions. The address underscores the existential threat rising seas pose to low-lying Pacific island nations like Palau, which have limited influence individually but punch above their weight in climate diplomacy. The speech called for stronger international action amid widening geopolitical divisions that have slowed cooperation on global warming.

A powerful nor'easter is driving coastal flooding along the northeastern United States, prompting New York and New Jersey to declare states of emergency. Officials are urging residents in low-lying and coastal areas to stay clear of floodwaters as high winds and heavy rain persist. The storm is disrupting travel and raising concerns about erosion and damage along the shoreline, with conditions expected to deteriorate further before easing.

Singapore's national water agency PUB has urged the public to avoid several areas across the island because of flash flood risks, following heavy rain. The advisory names specific low-lying locations prone to rapid water build-up and asks motorists and pedestrians to steer clear until conditions improve.

Chinese low-cost, open-source AI models now account for the majority of global developer traffic, according to reports drawing concern in Washington. Officials worry the widespread adoption of Chinese models gives Beijing influence over critical software infrastructure worldwide. Analysts note the models' affordability and open licensing have made them attractive to developers, especially in emerging markets, intensifying US-China competition over AI standards and supply chains.

US mortgage rates have climbed above 7%, a threshold not seen in years, leaving buyers facing significantly higher monthly payments and sellers facing reduced demand. Commentators are debating whether the housing market will cool further, see prices fall, or remain tight because of low housing supply and homeowners locked into lower rates.

A powerful nor'easter is hammering the US East Coast, bringing heavy coastal flooding, damaging winds and widespread power outages. Utility crews are working to restore electricity to affected communities while residents in low-lying coastal areas contend with inundated streets and dangerous conditions as the storm continues to move through the region.

Wired reports that nicotine, long tied to smoking and health warnings, is being rebranded by parts of the wellness movement. Advocates promote nicotine pouches and low-dose products for focus and cognitive benefits, while health experts warn the substance remains addictive and carries cardiovascular risks. The piece has sparked debate online about whether wellness culture is downplaying proven harms in pursuit of new performance-enhancing trends.

The foreign ministers of Russia and Germany have met on the sidelines of the United Nations in what is reported to be their first such talks since 2022. The meeting marks the first direct high-level diplomatic contact between the two governments since Russia's invasion of Ukraine pushed relations to a historic low, and it is drawing attention as a possible sign of shifting communication channels.

Health officials and commentators in Pennsylvania are asking what lessons their state should draw from the measles outbreak in Texas, which has become one of the largest in the United States in recent years. The discussion, highlighted by the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, centers on vaccination rates, public health preparedness and how to prevent a similar spread in Pennsylvania communities.

Andy Burnham is expected to announce a new help-to-buy scheme called 'Your First Home' next week. Under the plan, young people would be able to buy their first home with a deposit of just 2.5%. The announcement is drawing attention amid ongoing debate about housing affordability for first-time buyers in Britain.

Public confusion and anxiety about US elections are rising, and analysts are asking whether those feelings will keep voters away from the polls. The concern centres on how uncertainty over election rules, candidates and confidence in results could depress participation, making turnout a key question heading into voting.

The US Army deployed a registered dietitian to the Himalayan region, according to a Defense Department news item. The assignment is aimed at supporting soldiers operating at high altitude, where extreme cold, low oxygen and difficult logistics put unique demands on nutrition, hydration and overall performance in the field.

A powerful storm is sweeping across the northeastern United States, bringing heavy rain, strong winds, and coastal flooding. The New York Times reports that low-lying coastal areas are bearing the brunt of the flooding, while gusty winds raise concerns about power outages and travel disruptions. Residents along the coast are being advised to take precautions as conditions worsen.