EFI

A senior Ukrainian commander says his forces are advancing in a key eastern battlefield, according to Reuters. The claim points to continued fighting along the eastern front, where control of ground has shifted back and forth during Russia's invasion. Details on the location, scale of the advance, and Russian response were not immediately given, and the report has so far drawn limited engagement as observers await independent confirmation from the front lines.

President Donald Trump has rejected the latest ceasefire proposal put forward by Iran, according to an NPR report. The move suggests ongoing tensions remain unresolved, with no indication yet of what terms were offered or why they were turned down. The rejection is drawing attention amid concerns about the potential for further escalation between the United States and Iran.

TechCrunch has announced the next five venture capitalists who will judge the Startup Battlefield 200 competition at Disrupt 2026. The judges will evaluate pitches from 200 selected startups competing at the event. More judge announcements are expected as the conference lineup is rolled out ahead of next year's gathering.

JPMorgan has issued a forecast that goes against market consensus, predicting the Bank of Thailand will raise interest rates three times in 2027. The call, reported by Bloomberg, stands out because most analysts expect Thai monetary policy to remain on hold or ease, making the bank's view a notable outlier among observers of Southeast Asian economies.

Early projections for the 2027 cost-of-living adjustment suggest Social Security benefits and related payments will rise with inflation. The COLA, set annually by the Social Security Administration based on inflation data, affects retirement, disability and survivor payments for tens of millions of Americans. Outlets are listing which benefits and payments would increase under the latest estimate, though official figures are months away.

Zhibao Technology has signed a definitive agreement to acquire NEXSYS TECH, with plans to build an AI computing infrastructure business through the deal. The announcement was carried by news wires, confirming the agreement but disclosing few further details on deal size, timeline or strategy. Investors and tech watchers will be looking for more information on how the acquisition will be financed and what assets NEXSYS TECH brings.

TechCrunch has announced the next five venture capitalists who will judge the Startup Battlefield 200 competition at TechCrunch Disrupt 2026. The judges will evaluate pitches from 200 selected early-stage startups competing at the event, where founders battle for funding and visibility. The announcement adds to the growing lineup of investors taking part in this year's conference.

A newly released compilation album taking a stance against ICE has been put out with proceeds going to organizations that defend immigrants rights. The project brings together artists opposed to US immigration enforcement, and NPR reports on its launch. It arrives amid ongoing national debate over immigration raids and enforcement policy, with musicians continuing to use benefit releases to fund legal aid and advocacy work.

Tax and advisory firm CliftonLarsonAllen is highlighting new IRS guidance that could affect how real estate professionals structure employee benefit strategies. The guidance may change deductions, plan design, or compliance requirements for property owners and real estate businesses. Advisors are urging clients to review current benefit arrangements to ensure they remain tax-efficient under the updated rules.

Lawmakers from both parties are converging on pharmacy benefit managers as a rare point of bipartisan agreement, with the middlemen drug companies facing criticism over high prescription prices. The push reflects growing frustration in Congress with the role PBMs play in drug pricing, and momentum for reforms could shape upcoming health care legislation.

New reporting highlights that young people taking GLP-1 receptor agonists, a class of drugs widely used for weight management and diabetes, are showing nutritional deficiencies. Clinicians are being advised to monitor nutrient intake in pediatric and adolescent patients on these medications, as appetite suppression may reduce overall consumption of essential vitamins and minerals during critical growth years.

Ukrainian officials describe Operation Vivaldi, whose third phase reportedly involved a successful battlefield deception that lured Russian forces into a costly response. Ukraine claims Russia lost around 2,000 troops and a key bridgehead as a result. Independent verification of the figures and details of the operation remains limited amid the ongoing war.

The average 30-year mortgage refinance rate rose by 14 basis points on September 28, 2026. The increase means homeowners looking to refinance are facing slightly higher borrowing costs, and prospective borrowers may weigh locking in rates sooner. Rate movements like this are closely watched by homeowners, buyers and lenders tracking housing affordability.

Daily mortgage rate coverage for Monday, September 28, 2026, reports that refinance rates remain lower than purchase rates, giving existing homeowners a potential edge over buyers. The figures offer a snapshot of borrowing costs as households weigh whether refinancing makes sense in the current rate environment.