Morning NOISE

Trump approval falls to 33% in FT poll ahead of midterms

Donald Trump’s approval rating fell to 33%, its lowest level in the Financial Times’ polling, as voters expressed growing concerns about the economy and cost of living. The Focaldata poll of 1,914 registered voters found that 56% disapproved of his 50% tariffs on Canadian goods, while 57% said they were financially worse off under his presidency. Democrats held a 7.5-point advantage over Republicans in likely congressional voting, suggesting Trump’s central role in the midterm campaign could pose risks for Republican candidates.

US envoys reach Kyiv after Putin talks as Russia-Ukraine strikes continue

Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner arrived in Kyiv after meeting Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow about potential steps toward ending the war. The BBC reported officials described substantive discussions and expected further announcements, while NPR emphasized that the talks produced no announced breakthrough. Russia and Ukraine continued exchanging drone and missile strikes despite an agreement to pause attacks on each other’s capitals.

Rescuers find two survivors alive 10 days after Nepal floods

Nepal rescuers pulled two people alive from debris more than 10 days after devastating floods. The BBC highlights the rescue of 64-year-old Chandika Shrestha, found on the fourth floor of her partially buried home in Nuwakot and airlifted to a Kathmandu hospital. The rescues underscore the continuing humanitarian needs and challenges facing recovery efforts in the disaster zone.

Anak Krakatau eruption strands 150,000 passengers across Indonesia

An eruption of Indonesia’s Anak Krakatau volcano has stranded more than 150,000 passengers and affected 467 flights after authorities temporarily suspended operations at six airports. Ash spreading toward Java disrupted routes to Singapore, Doha, Sydney and Kuala Lumpur, while airlines were urged to provide refunds and timely updates. Authorities reported no tsunami warning but advised residents in affected areas to stay indoors and wear masks.

US ambassador calls violent Israeli settlers terrorists amid West Bank unrest

AP reports that Ambassador Mike Huckabee again condemned violent Israeli settlers during a visit with Palestinian American residents in Turmus Ayya, calling attacks on homes, cars and a mosque acts of terror. He urged Israel to investigate and prosecute the violence, which the U.N. says has surged since the Gaza war began. Israeli officials have condemned the actions, while rights groups say Israeli forces frequently turn a blind eye to settler attacks.

Rising debt and borrowing costs strain major economies

The Washington Post reports that government bond yields have risen across the United States, Japan, Germany, France and the United Kingdom as investors weigh persistent inflation and heavy public borrowing. In the US, federal debt equals 122% of GDP, while annual interest payments are expected to exceed $1 trillion. Analysts warn that without deficit reduction, higher borrowing costs will continue to pressure governments, businesses and households.

Trump presses Fed as strong jobs data lifts September hike odds

CNBC reports that President Donald Trump and senior officials are urging the Federal Reserve not to raise rates, with some calling for cuts, as markets weigh a September decision. August payrolls rose by 162,000 and unemployment held at 4.1%, lifting rate-hike odds to about 60% and prompting major indexes to fall while yields rose, according to the wire coverage. Fed officials remain focused on inflation above the 2% target, with Friday’s CPI report expected to influence the decision.

Follow-up to Trump administration presses Fed as rate hike odds rise, 20260905

Purchased location data continues to expose US military personnel

The Register reports that commercially purchased location data can still reveal where US military personnel gather, despite branches disabling advertising identifiers on government-issued devices. Sen. Ron Wyden and Rep. Pat Harrigan have requested a Defense Department inspector general investigation into why the data remains available. Possible explanations include delayed implementation, limits of ad-identifier controls, or data collected from personal devices used by military personnel and contractors.

BepiColombo nears Mercury after eight-year journey

Ars Technica reports that ESA’s BepiColombo mission has jettisoned its propulsion module and is preparing to enter orbit around Mercury on November 21. The European and Japanese orbiters will then separate and begin studying the planet’s surface, magnetic environment, plasma and dust, helping scientists investigate Mercury’s formation and evolution.

Embolo scores on debut as Atlanta United draw Inter Miami 2-2

Breel Embolo converted an 87th-minute penalty to give Atlanta United a 2-2 draw at Inter Miami in his MLS debut. Miami twice took the lead through Casemiro and Luis Suárez, but Atlanta earned a valuable point after Miguel Almirón had an earlier penalty saved.

Kiffin opens LSU tenure with 51-10 win over Clemson

Lane Kiffin’s LSU debut ended in a 51-10 victory over Clemson after a two-hour weather delay. LSU led 31-3 at halftime, powered by a rejuvenated running game and a defense that limited Clemson to 54 first-half yards. The performance provided an early indication that Kiffin’s transfer-heavy roster could make LSU competitive in the SEC.