Surging U.S. government bond yields are driving up credit costs across the economy and could shape Federal Reserve deliberations on monetary policy. Analysts nevertheless expect the central bank to resist any explicit request from the Trump administration to bail out the market.

Federal Reservebond marketinterest ratesTrump administration

With inflation and consumer prices rising, Wednesday’s Federal Reserve meeting is being closely watched for signals about interest rates in the present and future. The Fed is expected to raise rates for the first time since 2023 and the first time under newly appointed Chair Kevin Warsh.

Federal Reserveinterest ratesinflationeconomy

The Federal Reserve is expected to raise interest rates for the first time since 2023, as persistent inflation and rising borrowing costs worldwide drive the move. That will intensify scrutiny of how Kevin Warsh characterizes the first monetary-policy change under his watch.

Federal Reserveinterest ratesinflation

Bitcoin is hovering near $80,000 as traders build stablecoin positions that could flow back into the market once uncertainty around the Federal Reserve clears. A surprise decision to hold rates could present a greater risk.

BitcoinFederal Reserveinterest ratesstablecoins

Global shares are rising as investors await the Federal Reserve’s interest rate decision, with expectations for a rate hike running high. U.S. stock futures have edged upward.

global stocksFederal Reserveinterest rates

The Federal Reserve is expected to raise interest rates for the first time since 2023. The consequential move comes less than two months before the midterm elections.

Federal Reserveinterest ratesUS economy

The Hague conviction of former President Hashim Thaci and former KLA leaders Kadri Veseli, Jakup Krasniqi and Rexhep Selimi for war crimes triggered shock and disappointment across Kosovo. Crowds in Pristina called for justice and backed the men, while some tried to damage the EU rule-of-law mission’s perimeter wall before police intervened. Kosovo’s leaders denounced the verdict as unjust and unacceptable.

KosovoHashim Thaciwar crimesThe Hague

An EU-backed court convicted former Kosovo President Hashim Thaci on four counts of war crimes committed during Kosovo’s war for independence from Serbia and sentenced him to 25 years in prison.

Hashim ThaciKosovowar crimesSerbia

Hashim Thaçi has been sentenced to 25 years in prison by a Hague tribunal for war crimes, including dozens of murders committed while he was a senior Kosovo Liberation Army commander during the late-1990s war. The Kosovo Specialist Chambers also convicted him and three other former commanders over murder, torture, cruel treatment and unlawful detention. Thaçi may appeal.

KosovoHashim Thaçiwar crimesHague tribunal

A tribunal in The Hague found former Kosovo President Hashim Thaci guilty of war crimes committed as part of the Kosovo Liberation Army, including murder, torture and illegal arrests. Thaci received a 25-year prison sentence, while other former KLA figures were also convicted and sentenced.

Kosovowar crimesHashim Thaci

An EU-backed court convicted former Kosovo president Hashim Thaçi on Wednesday of four war-crimes counts tied to Kosovo’s fight for independence from Serbia in the 1990s. He was sentenced to 25 years in prison.

Kosovowar crimesHashim Thaçi

Former Kosovo President Hashim Thaci has been sentenced to 25 years for war crimes. He resigned as president and surrendered to the court after being indicted in 2020.

KosovoHashim Thaciwar crimes

John Coale, U.S. President Donald Trump's envoy to Belarus, told Reuters that he expects to return to the country in about a month and hopes to secure the release of hundreds more prisoners.

BelarusU.S. diplomacyprisoner releases

Belarus has released 25 political prisoners in exchange for the United States lifting sanctions on two companies. Hundreds remain imprisoned, including journalists, trade unionists and others who backed the 2020 protests against Aliaksandr Lukashenka’s re-election.

Belaruspolitical prisonersUS sanctions

U.S. envoy John Coale said Washington will lift sanctions on Belarusian companies Lakokraska and Bellesbumprom after Belarus releases 25 prisoners as a “goodwill gesture.” He said efforts to improve U.S.-Belarus relations and secure further releases would continue.

BelarusUnited Statespolitical prisonerssanctions

Belarus will release 25 prisoners under an interim agreement with the United States, in exchange for Washington lifting sanctions on two companies. The sides say they will pursue broader negotiations, including the release of additional prisoners and further sanctions relief.

BelarusUnited Statespolitical prisonerssanctions

U.S. special envoy John Coale said Belarus will release 25 political prisoners while Washington lifts sanctions on the Belarusian companies Lakokraska and Bellesbumprom. The prisoners’ identities and destinations remain unknown. Viasna estimated Belarus had 889 political prisoners at the end of August.

Belaruspolitical prisonersUS sanctionsdiplomacy

House lawmakers will leave early ahead of the November midterm elections after Republican leaders cancelled votes scheduled for Thursday. The move pushes a vote on Pete Hegseth’s impeachment until after the elections.

U.S. HousePete Hegsethimpeachmentmidterm elections

French motorists are crowding TotalEnergies stations to buy discounted gasoline. Rivals accuse the energy giant of distorting competition, saying the government encouraged the move.

TotalEnergiesFrancefuel discountscompetition

Catch up on the most important stories from Europe and beyond on 16 September 2026, spanning world news, business, entertainment, politics, culture and travel.

news bulletinEuropeworld news

A morning roundup of the most important stories from Europe and beyond on September 16, 2026, covering world news, business, entertainment, politics, culture and travel.

news bulletinEuropeworldbusiness

Russian President Vladimir Putin described the election campaign underway across the country as significant and pivotal in many respects. He said elections for the State Duma, regional legislatures and heads, and municipal authorities would be held strictly according to law and within the established deadlines.

RussiaVladimir PutinelectionsState Duma

In a national address on the eve of Election Day, Russian President Vladimir Putin said the country’s future victory is being forged both by its battlefield heroes and by people working in the rear. He said those who work honestly for the Motherland and understand their responsibility are helping bring it closer.

RussiaVladimir Putinelectionwar

Russian President Vladimir Putin said in a video address before the elections that a large-scale campaign is underway amid the special military operation. He added that residents of Donbass and Novorossiya will vote for State Duma deputies for the first time since reuniting with Russia.

Russia electionVladimir PutinState DumaDonbass

In an address to the nation before the parliamentary election, Russian President Vladimir Putin said the courage and loyalty to the Fatherland shown by military personnel on the battlefield set an example for the entire country. He noted that the campaign is taking place during the special military operation and said he expects soldiers and officers engaged in combat to participate actively in voting.

RussiaVladimir Putinparliamentary electionmilitary operation

Russian President Vladimir Putin has addressed the nation in a traditional televised speech ahead of parliamentary elections scheduled for September 18–20. It is the third such pre-State Duma election address by Russia’s leader since 2000, with previous speeches mainly urging voter participation and explaining the electoral process.

RussiaVladimir Putinparliamentary elections

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said President Vladimir Putin will address the nation on television this evening ahead of the parliamentary elections. Peskov said Japan’s unfriendly stance makes restored visa-free visits to the Kurils unlikely, and declined to comment on US claims about people allegedly working for Russian intelligence until credible evidence is presented.

Russian politicsVladimir PutinJapan relationsUS Justice Department

The Latin Recording Academy has announced the nominees for the 27th Latin Grammy Awards, with Edgar Barrera leading the field with 10 nominations. The ceremony is scheduled for 12 November at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

Latin Grammysmusic awardsEdgar Barrera