The 14:00 report · 1.10.2026

US Job Cuts Drop in September to Lowest Level Since 2022

Monthly layoffs in the United States fell in September to their lowest level for that month since 2022, according to data from Challenger, Gray & Christmas. US employers announced 43,281 job cuts, an 18% decline from August and a 20% drop compared to September of last year. Since the beginning of the year, US employers have announced 573,195 layoffs, representing a 39% plunge compared to the same period last year. However, while hiring plans rose 3% year-over-year, employers are not rushing to hire ahead of the holiday season, and seasonal hiring remains relatively weak. The figures point to stability in current headcounts alongside persistent corporate caution regarding workforce expansion.

Trump Unveils $200B South Korean Energy Plan; Alaska LNG Remains Uncertain

US President Donald Trump presented an investment package of roughly $200 billion from South Korea in the American energy sector. The announcement follows yesterday's reporting that Trump was expected to unveil a targeted $54 billion South Korean investment in the Alaska liquefied natural gas project. However, while the overall financial scope has expanded significantly, reports indicate that the broader initiative poses a first test and leaves the future of the Alaska LNG project uncertain. Key details regarding the terms of the deals, the companies involved, and project timelines have not yet been released, leaving the implications for the major northern energy venture unclear for now.

All coverage: South Korea Alaska LNG Investment

Report: US Demands France and Germany Release Diesel Reserves

The Trump administration is demanding that France and Germany release diesel from their emergency stockpiles, threatening a ban on US diesel exports if they fail to do so. The two countries together hold more than one-third of the European Union's strategic diesel reserves, giving their decisions considerable weight over European supply. The US demand comes as diesel prices have reached record or near-record highs, sharpening friction between Washington and European allies over energy management. While official responses from Berlin and Paris have not yet been made public, an export ban would intensify strain on global fuel markets if the dispute is not resolved.

Red Alert Declared in Eastern Spain Over Torrential Rains

Spain's state meteorological agency declared a red alert, its highest warning level, in the provinces of Valencia, Castellon, and Tarragona due to an intense weather system expected to last until Monday. In total, eight autonomous communities across the country have been placed under weather alerts. In the red-alert zones, torrential rain exceeding 90 liters per hour and more than 250 liters in 12 hours is expected, raising serious flood concerns. Authorities escalated warnings from orange to red and dispatched emergency alerts directly to residents' mobile phones. The measures aim to mitigate risks to life and infrastructure from rainfall heavy enough to cause widespread inundation.

Supreme Court Hears Petitions to Disqualify Candidates; Ben Gvir Cites Terror Victims

Israel's Supreme Court has begun hearing petitions seeking to disqualify several candidates and political lists from running in the Knesset elections. The cases address petitions against Sami Abu Shehadeh, MK Ofer Cassif, the Ra'am faction, and the Joint List. During the hearing regarding Abu Shehadeh, Itamar Ben Gvir addressed the justices, stating, "I am not alone, the 1,163 murdered stand here with me." The court has not yet issued its rulings, but the forthcoming decisions will determine which factions and candidates may appear on the ballot, shaping the boundaries of political participation in the upcoming national vote.