Washington desk

Filed from the Washington desk — including multi-city pieces that also ran elsewhere.

Finance · 28 September 2026

Washington Desk: US and China Agree to Stop Yelling at Each Other’s Laundry Baskets

Helen Pell, Washington desk

The US and China have agreed to reduce tariffs on $60 billion worth of goods, prompting a chaotic rally among textile traders and a suspiciously calm Federal Reserve.

Environment · 28 September 2026

Hurricane Polo Struts Toward Baja California, Nolo Plays Hide‑and‑Seek with Hawaii

Candy Voss, Washington desk

A Category‑four hurricane named Polo barrels toward Baja California Sur, threatening landslides and a surge that could make a beach party out of the city, while the less glamorous Nolo retreats from Hawaii, leaving res…

Business · 28 September 2026

Silicon Valley’s New Soft Power: The Gentle Nudge of Ethical Code

Helen Pell, Washington desk

Financial markets are struggling to price in the sudden leverage of AI safety researchers, who are reportedly using their technical expertise to shape public opinion on existential risks.

World · 28 September 2026

RAF Fairford in the Spotlight: Five Men Nabbed in What May Be a Pre‑emptive Strike Against the Sky

Reginald Penny, London desk

In a move that would make a pigeon blush, five men were detained by counter‑terror police after suspicious vehicles approached RAF Fairford, the US launchpad for bomber sorties. The incident has raised questions about…

Finance · 28 September 2026

Oura Rings Up a Big IPO, Investors Wonder if the Market’s Wearing a Smart‑Ring

Helen Pell, Washington desk

Oura’s debut on Wall Street was as dramatic as a fitness tracker on a marathon runner—big numbers, big buzz, and a market that didn’t quite know whether to cheer or check its pulse.

Sports · 28 September 2026

G'Day, Grass? Australia Hosts Trump–CNN Tennis Showdown in Washington’s Only Turf

Frank Bollard, Melbourne desk

In a bewildering mash‑up of diplomacy and doubles, Australia’s diplomatic corps has stepped onto the world’s only grass court in Washington, DC, to host a rematch between the Trump administration and CNN. The match…

Finance · 28 September 2026

Trump’s Trade Threats Stir a Robust Market Reverie

Helen Pell, Washington desk

The former president’s latest threat to suspend trade if the Fed refuses to cut rates has sent a ripple through Wall Street, prompting a robust pause in Treasury yields and a robust flurry of speculation among traders.

Entertainment · 28 September 2026

Snoop Dogg Hosts MTV VMAs, Peacock Theater Transforms Into a Hip-Hop Wonderland

Candy Voss, Washington desk

Snoop Dogg steps in as host of the 42nd MTV Video Music Awards, turning the Peacock Theater into a neon‑lit, freestyle‑friendly spectacle, while fans wonder if the awards will now include a new category for “Best T…

Entertainment · 28 September 2026

Neil Patrick Harris to Tackle the Devil in Broadway's First 'Damn Yankees' Revival in Three Decades

Candy Voss, Washington desk

The Tony‑winning actor will step into the role of the Devil in a spring revival of the 1955 musical 'Damn Yankees', joining Julianne Hough at New York’s Broadway. The production marks the first Broadway staging in ov…