Edition, 18 stories.

Evening NOISE, Sep 23

U.S., 17:25, 7 sources, Update.

Trump hosts Xi for Washington summit on trade and security

NYT emphasizes Trump playing down accusations of Chinese election interference and support for Iran ahead of Xi's first state visit in 11 years, describing Xi more as a personal friend than a competitor. NPR focuses on the negotiation agenda, including AI governance, extension of a rare earths truce, tariff reductions and Taiwan. Both outlets note the talks come as Trump faces midterm elections and Xi prepares for a Party Congress, with results likely to shape security, trade and technology ties.

Follow-up to Trump and Xi to discuss AI safety amid race for dominance, September 23

Signal read, tense. Lakeshore oaks. Illustration: NOISE.

Reporting used

NYTAs Xi Visits Washington, Trump Plays Down China’s Actions Against U.S. Interests NPRTrump set to greet Xi for high-stakes state visit

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Signal read

Tense

Diplomacy, AI controls, legal fights and market strain dominate a pressured slate.

Sep 17, Tense. Sep 18, Tense. Sep 19, Tense. Sep 20, Tense. Sep 21, Busy. Sep 22, Tense. Sep 23, Tense, latest.

Sep 17Sep 23

Markets	Last	Change
S&P 500 close	7,706.03	-0.75%
Dow close	51,511.59	-0.68%
Nasdaq close	26,936.04	-1.13%
CRWD	262.49	+4.97%
AMZN	249.27	-2.24%
SPCX	148.36	-4.11%

U.S., 3 stories

President Trump invited Vladimir Putin to the December G20 at Doral despite GOP pushback and European unease over Ukraine. At home, the White House retreated on NIH grant control as Michigan demands answers after a fatal ICE-linked pursuit.

17:40 US invites Putin to G-20 summit at Trump Florida resort Secretary of State Marco Rubio said President Trump invited Russian President Vladimir Putin to the Dec. 14-15 Group of 20 leaders meeting at the Trump National Doral Miami resort, which would be Putin's first in-person summit since 2019. NYT emphasizes that many leaders are unlikely to welcome Putin because of the war in Ukraine, noting European protests and exclusion from the family photo when Russia's finance minister attended the G-20 finance meeting in Asheville. WSJ emphasizes congressional Republican pushback and renewed diplomacy, reporting Rubio said Russia and Ukraine expressed interest in a limited ceasefire for energy infrastructure targets.

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WSJU.S. Invites Putin to G-20 Summit at Trump Resort in Florida NYTTrump Invites Putin to Attend Group of 20 Summit in Miami

16:11 Trump backs off plan for political control of NIH grants The White House has retreated from a proposed executive order that would have created a commission able to block NIH research grants that did not align with President Trump's agenda, the NYT reported. The reversal followed bipartisan opposition in Congress, though officials still seek tighter alignment of the agency's $48 billion in spending with White House priorities.

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NYTTrump Backtracks on Plan for New Controls on N.I.H. Grants

16:31 Michigan officials seek answers after fatal crash linked to ICE pursuit Grand Rapids police said a driver died Sunday morning when his vehicle struck a tree and caught fire, with preliminary information indicating ICE personnel attempted to stop the vehicle and the driver fled. Rep. Hillary Scholten identified the man as Mario David Coronado Juarez and asked acting ICE director David Venturella for the reason for the pursuit and whether agents followed rules. Advocates with Movimiento Cosecha Grand Rapids said Coronado Juarez was from Guatemala, was married and had three young children, while Police Chief Joseph Trigg and Gov. Gretchen Whitmer called for independent review by Michigan State Police.

1 source

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WaPoOfficials seek answers after man police say was fleeing ICE dies in car crash

World, 3 stories

Iran's president vowed defiance of Trump at the UN while offering dialogue, as the US delegation walked out. Meanwhile Ethiopia and Tigray trade blame amid fears of renewed war and Canada eyes US and EU trade balance.

14:15 Iran president vows defiance but offers talks in UN address Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian told the UN General Assembly that Iran will never bow in response to President Trump's threat to annihilate the country, while saying Tehran remains ready for dialogue without accepting force. He said Iran has been a victim of terrorism, holding up a portrait of late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and photos of children he said were killed in US strikes, and demanded an end to the US blockade and restored access to the Strait of Hormuz as part of any deal. The BBC reported the US delegation walked out at the start of the address, while NPR noted the speech followed indirect US Iran messages exchanged through Qatari mediators.

4 sources

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BBCIran's president tells Trump it will never 'bend the knee'NPRIran's president gives a rare wartime speech at the U.N.

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15:44 Ethiopia and Tigray trade blame amid fears of new war Ethiopia's government and Tigray's TPLF accuse each other of launching offensives, fuelling fears of a return to full-scale civil war. Both the Economist and the BBC report that Tigrayan forces seized federally administered airports in Tigray, prompting Ethiopian Airlines to cancel flights, with fighting reported in Tigray and neighbouring Afar and Amhara. The BBC details alleged drone strikes and calls for de-escalation, while the Economist places the clashes in the context of a new TPLF alliance with other rebel groups, an alliance the BBC also reports.

2 sources

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EconomistEthiopia may be descending into another civil war BBCEthiopia and Tigray accuse each of launching offensives, fuelling fears of new war

16:45 Carney open to US trade deal while pursuing deeper EU ties Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney told the WSJ a mutually beneficial trade pact with the US is still possible after talks collapsed in August, saying some late red line issues have been taken off the table. He said Canada will not compromise sovereignty or give up its ability to pursue trade deals with the EU and other partners as it diversifies connections. Carney said deeper cooperation with Europe on critical minerals, energy, satellites, science and security would strengthen sovereignty for both sides.

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WSJCanada’s Carney Open to U.S. Trade Deal but Won’t Give Up Right to Deepen EU Ties

Business, 3 stories

Treasury yields surged to levels unseen since before the financial crisis, with the 10-year near 5.12 percent pressuring stocks and mortgages. Futures pointed lower as investors watched diplomacy and hedged Nvidia debt exposure.

17:40 Judge delays ruling on White House ban of CNN and others Axios reported that U.S. District Judge Timothy Kelly appeared skeptical of the Trump administration case for barring CNN, MS NOW and Politico but did not immediately grant a temporary restraining order. Kelly said the sudden move to strip credentials appeared to violate precedents requiring notice and said he would rule on injunctive relief soon. Axios reported the ban remains in place for now while other outlets suspend video and photo distribution in solidarity.

3 sources

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AxiosWhite House press ban set to continue for now after hearing ends without ruling

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17:02 Stocks face lower open as yields climb and diplomacy watched Update CNBC reported futures for the S&P, Nasdaq and Dow pointed lower, with the 2-year Treasury yield at 4.794% and oil higher after American and Iranian officials met at the U.N. Wire excerpts also noted stocks sold off as Treasury yields surged on inflation worries while investors monitored US efforts with Iran and China. Bloomberg emphasized a different angle, reporting Nvidia credit default swaps are now among the most traded as investors hedge debt exposure after its $25 billion bond sale.

2 sources

Follow-up to Dollar climbs as stocks, bonds and oil waver, September 23

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BloombergNvidia Among Top Traded US Credit Swaps as Hedging Demand Soars CNBCOur top 10 things to watch in the stock market Wednesday

17:11 US Treasury yields surge to highest since 2007 on strong data US Treasury yields posted their largest jump since April 2025, with FT reporting the 10-year rose 0.14 points to 5.11% and CNBC noting a high of 5.125% not seen since before the financial crisis. FT emphasized strong September business activity, fading hopes for Middle East de-escalation and a weak $70bn five-year auction, while CNBC focused on higher borrowing costs for consumers facing 7.26% mortgages and rising credit rates. Both outlets noted growing expectations for another Fed hike in October as stocks slipped and oil rose.

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FTUS Treasury yields soar most since ‘liberation day’ tariffs shook markets CNBCHere's what happens to the economy when Treasury yields soar like they are now

Tech, 4 stories

Western leaders want nuclear-style global AI rules, but Washington is not buying it as a US-China notification system lags. Meanwhile alleged FBI data theft claims and Microsoft's new Snapdragon Surfaces round out a busy cycle.

17:31 Western leaders push for AI controls amid US opposition Update The WSJ reports a group of Western leaders led by Canada, Norway and Finland is pressing for global AI rules modeled on nuclear arms treaties, with support from OpenAI, Anthropic and Hugging Face executives who addressed the UN this week. The push faces resistance from the Trump administration, which rejected global governance of AI. Separately, Wired reports a proposed US-China AI notification system for national security incidents remains weeks from completion despite plans for Trump and Xi to discuss it.

6 sources

Follow-up to Trump and Xi to discuss AI safety amid race for dominance, September 23

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WSJThe Group Chat Where World Leaders Are Racing to Create AI Controls WiredA US-China AI Hotline Won't Be Ready For a While

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17:15 ShinyHunters claim massive FBI employee data breach ShinyHunters claim to have stolen data on all FBI employees and applicants, with 404 reporting the alleged haul includes agents' names, home addresses, phone numbers and spouse information. Engadget reports the group claims 2-3TB of data taken through a PeopleSoft exploit, with a sample showing names, addresses, Social Security numbers and work assignments for 5,000 employees. The FBI said it is investigating claims of a compromise of the FBIJobs.gov portal. 404 notes the alleged breach could expose agents and families to harassment and aid foreign intelligence if confirmed.

4 sources

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EngadgetShinyHunters hackers claim to have 2-3TB of sensitive information about FBI employees 404‘We Hacked the FBI:’ Hackers Say They Have Data on All FBI Employees

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16:30 Microsoft refreshes small Surface Pro, Laptop with new chips The Verge reports Microsoft is updating its 12-inch Surface Pro and 13-inch Surface Laptop with Qualcomm Snapdragon X2 Plus chips, promising longer battery life and faster graphics and local AI performance. Both models start with 16GB of RAM and higher starting prices, with brighter 500-nit displays, returning black color options and an optional 5G configuration for the Surface Pro. The outlet also notes Microsoft is introducing a second edition Surface Mouse with integrated haptics, while the laptops themselves do not gain haptic trackpads.

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VergeMicrosoft refreshes its smaller Surface Pro and Laptop with Qualcomm’s X2 Plus

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16:05 US leads China on AI chips, lags on power and talent Update NYT reports the US holds an edge in leading AI models and top chips from firms like Nvidia, aided by export controls and a resilient economy. China is gaining through open source systems from DeepSeek, Moonshot and Z.ai, a modernized power grid for data centers, and leading output of AI researchers. China also faces fewer political headwinds, with polling showing higher public optimism than in the US.

1 source

Follow-up to Trump and Xi to discuss AI safety amid race for dominance, September 23

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NYTWhere Is the U.S. Beating China on A.I., and Where Is It Lagging?

Sports, 4 stories

The Knicks open camp with Karl-Anthony Towns extension talks stalled despite a $276 million eligibility and title defense pressure. Elsewhere Watson eyes a warmer Cleveland welcome and Cincinnati loses its third receiver for weeks.

16:16 Macdonald apologizes to Payton over publicized 2024 dispute comments Seattle coach Mike Macdonald said Wednesday he apologized to Denver coach Sean Payton after comments about their 2024 dispute surfaced publicly, calling it a lesson learned. According to ESPN, the comments from his interview with Graham Bensinger concerned Payton's accusation that Seattle cheated before the 2024 opener over plays seen in fan posts from open practices. Macdonald said the remarks were not meant for public use and that Payton was great when they spoke.

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ESPNSeahawks' Macdonald apologizes to Broncos' Payton for comments

15:01 Knicks, Karl-Anthony Towns extension talks stall before camp Extension talks between the New York Knicks and Karl-Anthony Towns have stalled and an agreement is considered unlikely as training camp begins next week, ESPN reported. Towns is eligible for up to four years and $276 million, is due $57 million this season and holds a $61 million player option for 2027-28. The impasse comes as the Knicks chase a repeat after their first title in 53 years while trying to avoid the second apron, with further extension decisions looming for Josh Hart, Jalen Brunson and OG Anunoby.

1 source

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ESPNSources: Extension unlikely as Knicks, Karl-Anthony Towns talks stall

12:36 Watson ready for support in Browns home return Deshaun Watson said Wednesday he is ready for support in his first home game since he was booed during the preseason at Huntington Bank Field. The comments followed Cleveland's Week 2 upset win over Tampa Bay, in which Watson completed 24 of 30 passes for 238 yards and two touchdowns. Browns coach Todd Monken said he expects Watson to keep improving as he continues returning from the Achilles injury that sidelined him for 2025.

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ESPNBrowns QB Deshaun Watson 'ready for support' from home crowd

13:42 Bengals' Andrei Iosivas expected to miss 4-6 weeks Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Andrei Iosivas is expected to miss four to six weeks with a thumb injury, ESPN reported, citing sources. He will undergo surgery Wednesday and be placed on injured reserve, which requires at least four missed games. Iosivas had served as Cincinnati's third starting wide receiver during the team's 2-0 start.

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ESPNSources: Bengals' Andrei Iosivas expected to miss 4-6 weeks