Independent newsroom

Monday, August 31, 2026

The File

Every claim traces to a primary source. Uncertainty is labeled. Corrections are public.

Beat

US Economy

Sourced stories on the U.S. economy. If a claim cannot be traced to a primary source, it does not run.

Monday, August 31, 2026

Diplomacy

G20 finance ministers open in Asheville

Confirmed

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent opened the G20 finance meeting in Asheville, the first ministerial of the U.S. 2026 host year. He said the world is awash in debt and that governments must grow our way out. He told CNBC he would press counterparts to join Operation Economic Outcast. The EU issued a statement welcoming additional economic pressure, including through that campaign. No joint statement yet. The meeting runs through Sept. 1.

Sources · 5 listed