US News Today: What to Know on September 24, 2026
Several major stories are unfolding at once, from high-stakes diplomacy to a dangerous storm. Here is what happened and why it matters.
Iran and the US trade blunt warnings at the UN
The Iran standoff dominates the day. President Trump told the UN General Assembly he would "annihilate" Iran if its leaders do not make a deal, while Iran's president said his country would not pursue nuclear weapons but has a right to peaceful nuclear technology. Talks are happening even as the rhetoric heats up: US negotiators Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner met Iran's foreign minister at the UN on Tuesday. Just SecurityJust Security
Why it matters: When both sides publicly harden their positions but still meet in private, it often signals that a deal is still possible. Oil and financial markets tend to react to each new headline, so this story affects more than diplomacy.
Netanyahu addresses a half-empty hall
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke to the General Assembly on Thursday as hundreds of diplomats walked out to protest Israel's crackdown in Gaza. Reporting suggests his real audience was at home, since Israeli elections are due next month. NBC NewsNBC News
Xi Jinping arrives in Washington
Chinese leader Xi Jinping has arrived in Washington ahead of talks at the White House, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke to reporters after taking on the additional role of national security advisor. WORLD
Why it matters: Meetings between US and Chinese leaders can affect trade, tariffs and technology rules, which in turn can affect prices and jobs. Watch for what comes out of the talks over the next few days.
Hurricane Polo threatens Mexico's Pacific coast
Forecasters say Polo is not expected to come ashore, but its outer bands could bring four to six inches of rain to Guerrero state, including Acapulco, with up to eight inches in spots, and Mexico's navy has closed ports at Acapulco and Zihuatanejo. Steep terrain is the biggest danger because of flooding and landslides. Travelers should follow local advisories. WORLD
CDC confirms one measles death, leaves questions
The CDC acknowledged Wednesday that one measles death has occurred so far in 2026 but gave no details about who died or where. It had earlier declined to recognize four deaths reported by Pennsylvania's health department. The gap between state and federal reporting is likely to keep this story alive. If you have children, check that their vaccinations are up to date. KFF Health News
A new lead in the 1982 Tylenol murders
Authorities announced that a man found dead in an Idaho church decades ago may be connected to the unsolved 1982 Tylenol poisonings. The case is famous because it led to the tamper-resistant packaging on medicines today. KFF Health News
What to watch next
- Whether the Iran talks produce a deal or a new round of threats
- The outcome of Xi's White House meetings
- Hurricane Polo's rainfall totals in southern Mexico
- Further clarification from the CDC on measles deaths
Sources: WORLD Radio, Just Security, NBC News, KFF Health News. Published September 24, 2026.