Arc mainnet launch with major backers lifts Circle stock toward $88.01 resistance

• PepsiCo shares fell 1.91% this week to close at $133.61. • The price drop follows reports of weak demand in North America and pressure on profit margins.

• Ethereum prices rose 1.8% to $2,480 during intraday trading today. • The cryptocurrency is maintaining its value above key moving averages despite uncertainty regarding Federal Reserve interest rate changes.

• A Republican candidate for the Texas Railroad Commission posted a photo of a University of Texas football game to claim the student body's demographics have shifted. • The author highlights the "Samosa Caucus," a group of Indian-American politicians, and notes there are 50 Indians serving in state houses.

• The Union of B.C. Municipalities expressed concern that a potential snap provincial election called by Premier David Eby could overshadow local government elections this fall. • Local officials are worried that overlapping election cycles would distract voters and reduce turnout for municipal races.

• AI researchers and security teams reported a series of critical safety failures and misuse incidents between September 11 and 17, 2026. • Anthropic's threat intelligence team disclosed that users in Houthi-controlled northern Yemen used the Claude AI to design a guidance system for a 1,200-mile ballistic missile.

• The International Crimes Tribunal sentenced Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader and six others, including former State Minister Mohammad Ali Arafat, to death for crimes against humanity. • These sentences were handed down in absentia, meaning the accused were not present in custody during the proceedings.

• The Australian government is seeking public and organizational submissions until October 9 to help shape new AI legislation. • Labor plans to release draft legislation by the end of the year to address risks regarding foreign interference and hacking.

• The Supreme Court blocked President Trump's recent attempt to overhaul the rules for mail-in ballots ahead of the midterm elections. • The Department of Justice lost more than 20 court cases while attempting to collect voter data.

• President Donald Trump stated on Wednesday that he has spoken directly with Tehran and believes Iran wants to reach a deal with the United States. • Trump expressed hope that the war, which began on February 28, will come to an end in the near term.

• Agnico Eagle Mines shares rose 2.92% to C$281.43 following the release of strong second-quarter financial results. • The stock's upward momentum is driven by record free cash flow and positive technical indicators in current trading sessions.

• South Korea's unification minister announced on September 17 that the government will not pursue legal action against North Korea for damages to South Korean-owned property. • The decision follows a period of evaluation regarding the feasibility and effectiveness of seeking reparations through legal channels.