What are the 10 biggest news stories from today?

Here's a roundup of today's biggest news stories (September 24, 2026):

1. Trump-Xi Summit Kicks Off in Washington
Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in Washington for a rare state visit, with President Donald Trump offering a rare personal welcome to President Xi Jinping at Joint Base Andrews. The visit marked the first time in 11 years that a US president had greeted a foreign leader at Joint Base Andrews, according to C-SPAN. The summit aims to address tensions over trade, technology, Taiwan, and Iran.

2. US-China Trade Truce Extended
In a major outcome of the summit, the U.S. and China have extended a truce to keep tariffs lower for longer and rare earths flowing, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said. Xi and Trump agreed to a one-year trade truce at a meeting in South Korea last October, and the deal, which was set to expire in November, will now be extended to Jan. 10. Still, deep differences remain, as the two countries are at odds on issues including export controls on rare-earth minerals and computer chips, China's ties to Iran and US support for Taiwan.

3. Hurricane Polo Becomes One of the Most Powerful Pacific Storms in Decades
Hurricane Polo has grown into one of the most powerful Pacific cyclones in decades, and it was expected to skirt Mexico's southwestern coast as a Category 5 storm. It's now considered the second-most powerful hurricane ever recorded in the Pacific Ocean, remaining a strong Category 4 storm and a threat to Mexico.

4. Tropical Storm Nolo Threatens Hawaii's Big Island
Tropical Storm Nolo has formed in the Pacific Ocean, triggering a hurricane watch for Hawaii's Big Island, with Nolo expected to become a hurricane sometime Thursday and could become a major hurricane by the weekend. Nolo is forecast to produce rainfall of 15 to 20 inches across Hawaii Island with maximum amounts of 35 inches, which will produce life-threatening and catastrophic flooding. Meteorologists note a prolific Pacific hurricane season fueled by a super El Niño is showing no signs of slowing down, with extremely warm water that's been like rocket fuel for storms.

5. Treasury Yields Surge, Mortgage Rates Hit Trump-Era High
The yields on U.S. Treasury bonds jumped Wednesday and oil prices rose, sending stocks tumbling as investors braced for the prospect of future Fed rate hikes, with the 10-year Treasury yield rising as high as 5.13%, its highest since 2007. As a result, the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate jumped to 7.26% on Wednesday — the highest point since Jan. 13, 2025, and of President Donald Trump's second term.

6. Legal Battle Over Trump's Media Ban Escalates
The Department of Justice defended President Trump's recent media ban, arguing that reporting by CNN, MS Now and Politico on a wide range of issues jeopardized national security and spread falsehoods. In response, CNN, MS NOW, and Politico are asking a federal judge to hold the president in check for what they say is a violation of their Constitutional rights simply because he doesn't like how they cover him.

7. Ukraine Pushes Unconditional Ceasefire Plan
Ukraine is renewing diplomatic efforts, with reports noting the Kremlin welcomes US invitation for Putin to attend the G20 Summit, as Ukraine reiterates its plan for an unconditional ceasefire amid skepticism over Moscow's potential response.

8. UN General Assembly Diplomacy Continues
World leaders remain engaged at UN activities, with Canada notably announcing that Canada and the European Union help secure approximately $339 million in pledges for the Global Ocean Observing System, while Prime Minister Carney advances collective security, climate, and peace priorities at the 81st United Nations General Assembly.

9. White House Cuts Program Over Fraud Allegations
White House officials allege individuals were fraudulently enrolled in a program or do not exist, with Vice President Vance saying the move would save $2.2 billion.

10. Housing Affordability Crisis Spreads to Higher Incomes
A new report shows housing affordability challenges are spreading to higher income brackets, according to new research, which found one in five renters struggled last year to pay for their housing in full and on time.

Bonus/Related: Separately, the used car market continues to strain consumers, as the used car market is out of control and there doesn't seem to be an easy fix for high prices.