the friday brief — 9.25.26

3 things that matter

the u.s. and china are trying to steady a complicated relationship

president donald trump welcomed chinese president xi jinping to washington for a state visit from september 23 through september 25, with discussions centered on trade, technology and the growing number of issues connecting the world’s two largest economies. the visit came amid continuing disagreements over tariffs, taiwan and supply chains, alongside discussions about artificial intelligence and critical minerals. it produced no sweeping reset, but underscored that both governments still see value in keeping diplomatic channels open even as significant differences remain.

congress is still debating who gets to decide when america goes to war

on september 24, the senate narrowly rejected a war powers resolution that would have directed president trump to remove u.s. forces from hostilities with iran. the measure failed 49 to 50, continuing a months-long congressional debate over the conflict. beneath the politics is an older constitutional question: how authority over war should be divided between congress and the president, particularly when military operations continue without a specific authorization from lawmakers. that question remains unsettled.

a warming pacific is testing how governments prepare for extreme weather

on september 21, california declared a state of emergency as officials prepared for what could become an unusually strong el niño, giving the state greater flexibility to stage resources and strengthen flood and storm readiness before winter. at the same time, hurricane polo rapidly intensified off mexico’s pacific coast, bringing threats of heavy rain, flooding and dangerous surf. the events are distinct, but both are unfolding amid unusually warm pacific conditions that are raising concerns about extreme weather in the months ahead.

1 thing to know

higher rates are back as inflation remains stubborn

this month, the federal reserve raised interest rates for the first time in three years, lifting its benchmark range by a quarter point to 3.75 to 4 percent. the move came as inflation remained above the fed’s 2 percent target even while economic activity continued to expand at a solid pace and consumer spending remained resilient. fed officials have also pointed to price pressures extending beyond energy and food into broader parts of the economy. sixteen of the fed’s 18 policymakers expect at least one additional increase this year. for households, the shift means the effort to bring inflation down may once again carry a familiar cost: borrowing could remain expensive for mortgages, credit cards, auto loans and businesses even as consumers continue to contend with higher prices.

1 thing to try

do the closet edit before the season fully changes

before packing away summer clothes, take ten minutes to notice what you actually wore and what you kept skipping. set aside the pieces that no longer feel like you, then bring fall favorites forward with a little more intention. it is less about overhauling your wardrobe than making the next season a little easier to get dressed for.