Three stories worth knowing today, in plain English: what happened, why it matters and what comes next.
Healey says he will keep the existing fiscal rules and rule out rises in income tax, employee National Insurance, corporation tax and VAT. Reports say small high-street firms will get a business rates cut.
Why it matters: The Iran war has pushed up inflation and borrowing costs, which shrinks the room Healey has left. That decides how much help households and small firms can get.
What next: Healey speaks in the Commons on Wednesday 28 October.
Sources: LBC, 24 October · NRLA
Brent crude settled at $116.72 a barrel on Friday. Iran says it will restore shipping if the US lifts its naval blockade of Iranian ports. Washington wants navigation restored first, plus concessions on Iran's nuclear programme.
Why it matters: Fuel prices drove UK inflation to 3.5% in September. Dearer oil keeps pressure on petrol, energy bills and the Bank of England.
What next: No talks date has been announced. The Bank of England decides on interest rates on 5 November.
Sources: Energi Media, 25 October
The Royal College of Emergency Medicine surveyed 163 department leads in early October. Only 3% said they felt well prepared for winter, and about two-thirds called their units unsafe.
Why it matters: Crowded emergency departments mean longer waits for patients and more risk for the sickest. The NHS says flu cases in hospital are already above normal.
What next: The government says it will publish corridor care data for the first time and speed up plans to end corridor care for children.