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The ABC has rejected a finding by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) that a March 2025 episode of Four Corners, titled “Sacrifice”, breached the broadcaster’s impartiality obligations. The episode examined concerns about the redevelopment, renovation and extension of the Australian War Memorial. ACMA said the program “unduly favoured one perspective”, particularly critics of the redevelopment. The regulator found that the episode did not adequately explain the findings of an Australian National Audit Office audit and conflated different stages of the memorial’s redevelopment, potentially confusing viewers. Although ACMA concluded that the episode did not breach accuracy requirements, it said the ABC still had to meet impartiality obligations under its code of practice. ACMA chair Nerida O’Loughlin said the program’s framing, strong and emotive language, and its selection and treatment of interviewees cumulatively favoured opponents of the project. The ABC’s managing director, Hugh Marks, rejected that interpretation, arguing that applying it more broadly could have a chilling effect on investigative journalism and impose false balance on public-interest reporting. In its formal response, the ABC said ACMA had misinterpreted the policies governing ABC content, misrepresented the program’s tone, and established an unprecedented and unworkable standard of impartiality. It defended reporter Mark Willacy and the Four Corners team, saying they had engaged with the Australian War Memorial before filming and put all issues in the final program to project representatives. The ABC said it stood behind the episode and would not remove it from the iview website. Its own Ombudsman Office previously found that the program did not breach the broadcaster’s accuracy, impartiality, or fair and honest dealing standards. ACMA expressed disappointment that the ABC regularly disputes its findings. The decision is the second this year involving a Four Corners breach of the ABC code, following a March finding concerning the 2023 episode “Water Grab”.

The federal Labor government has extended compulsory income management in the Northern Territory until 2033, despite its 2022 election commitment to abolish what it called the discriminatory Cashless Debit Card and make the BasicsCard voluntary. The legislative change, made quietly in June 2026, removed a provision that would have ended compulsory income management in July. More than 30,000 Territorians—most of them Indigenous—remain subject to the scheme, which quarantines part of their Centrelink payments for essential goods and prevents purchases such as alcohol and tobacco. Aboriginal organisations, social services groups, human rights advocates and researchers have criticised the extension. The Central Land Council says compulsory income management lacks evidence of effectiveness and has called for a carefully managed transition to a voluntary system led by Aboriginal communities and financial capability experts. Australian National University researcher Elise Klein said peer-reviewed research showed the scheme caused harm, including links to lower birthweights and reduced school attendance. She also highlighted human rights concerns, saying the system disproportionately affects First Nations people and restricts social security and financial rights. The Greens attempted to block the extension through a Senate motion, but Labor and the Coalition voted against it. The Community Affairs References Committee is due to examine the legislative changes. Labor ministers maintain that the government fulfilled its election promise by abolishing the separate Cashless Debit Card in 2023. Indigenous Australians Minister Malarndirri McCarthy said the BasicsCard had always remained available and could be necessary in some court- or family-violence-related circumstances. Social Services Minister Tanya Plibersek said the government had consulted 81 communities and thousands of people, asserting that participants wanted governments to work with them on future solutions. The article ends during the minister’s statement, leaving the government’s broader explanation incomplete.

Australia’s population increased by 392,700 people, or 1.4 per cent, in the 12 months to March 2026, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). The national population reached 27.9 million people on March 31, 2026. Nearly three-quarters of the increase came from net overseas migration, which contributed 292,100 people. This was lower than the 309,500 recorded in the previous 12-month period. During the year, 557,500 people migrated to Australia from overseas, a 4 per cent decline from the previous year, while 265,400 people emigrated, down 2.2 per cent. Net overseas migration is calculated by subtracting departures from arrivals. Natural increase—the number of births minus the number of deaths—contributed a further 100,600 people. Births rose by 0.3 per cent and deaths increased by 3.1 per cent. The ABS said population growth fell sharply in early 2020 after the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. It later reached a peak in September 2023 before gradually moving back towards pre-pandemic levels. Every Australian state and territory recorded population growth in the year ending March 2026. Western Australia experienced the fastest growth, increasing by 2.1 per cent, or 64,200 people. Tasmania recorded the slowest growth at 0.6 per cent, adding 3,400 people. New South Wales received the largest number of overseas migrants, while Tasmania and the Northern Territory recorded the lowest levels of overseas migration. The figures were presented by ABS head of population statistics Bjorn Jarvis.

Tasmanians calling Triple Zero were told no ambulance was immediately available almost 17,000 times during 2025-26, an average of about 46 instances each day. Figures obtained by the state Labor opposition show that “delayed activations”—defined as taking at least three minutes for an ambulance to be dispatched—increased by 30 per cent from the previous year. The rise occurred alongside a 6 per cent increase in Triple Zero calls, which reached 115,735 during the year. The article illustrates the impact of ambulance delays through the experience of 75-year-old Rosie Maddock, who waited three hours for help after falling at a pathology appointment in Glenorchy. Although her life was not considered at immediate risk, she said she lay on a cold cement floor in pain. She subsequently spent three weeks in hospital after developing blood clots and extensive bruising. Labor health spokesperson Sarah Lovell described the figures as deeply concerning and said Tasmanians should be able to rely on an ambulance being available when needed. Health and Community Services Union secretary Robbie Moore said ambulance unavailability was regularly affecting life-or-death situations and attributed the problem partly to hospital bed block, which leaves paramedics waiting with patients and prevents ambulances from attending other calls. Health Minister Bridget Archer defended the government’s response, saying increased demand had contributed to the delays and that all Triple Zero calls were triaged according to clinical need. She said people who needed an ambulance would receive one, although a vehicle might be attending a higher-acuity patient. The figures have also raised questions about the government’s election promise to “ban ambulance ramping” by transferring patients from ambulances to emergency departments within specified time limits. Labor and the union said the policy had been ineffective or not fully implemented, while Archer maintained the government remained committed to it. The policy is also opposed by the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation, which is challenging its implementation in the Tasmanian Industrial Commission.

The article examines whether the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) will raise its cash rate at its September 29 meeting, amid a worldwide shift toward higher interest rates. Financial markets have moved strongly toward pricing in a hike, assigning it an 87 per cent probability, while economists remain divided. Among the major banks, NAB expects a September increase, while the others see November as their base case but acknowledge that September remains possible. The case for an immediate hike rests primarily on inflation and economic activity. Australian headline inflation eased from 3.8 per cent to 3.5 per cent in July, but exceeded forecasts, while trimmed-mean inflation remained at 3.6 per cent. Persistent services inflation suggests domestic price pressures rather than solely imported inflation. Economic growth also reached 2.1 per cent over the year to June, slightly above expectations and around the RBA’s estimate of Australia’s current growth speed limit. Strong business investment, particularly in artificial-intelligence infrastructure and data centres, is contributing to construction-cost pressures. Rate increases by the United States, European Central Bank and potentially Bank of Japan are also putting pressure on the RBA to support the Australian dollar and contain imported inflation. However, Australia differs from the United States. The RBA has already raised rates three times this year, while Australia’s unemployment rate has risen from 4.1 per cent to 4.5 per cent. Variable-rate mortgages mean households are especially exposed, and recent rate rises and tax changes have already pushed the housing market into a sharp downturn. Further increases could reduce house prices, consumer spending, housing construction, property-transfer activity and state stamp-duty revenue. The RBA must also judge whether the July monthly inflation data reflect a lasting trend or temporary post-financial-year price adjustments. Waiting until November would provide more reliable quarterly inflation data. Finally, policymakers must consider how high rates can go before mortgage stress causes broader economic damage. The author therefore believes the RBA may be able to resist global pressure and wait, despite strong market expectations of a September hike.

Queensland Parliament has passed the controversial Circuit Breaker Sentencing bill, allowing the state government to establish two remote youth justice camps later this year. The facilities are intended to divert up to 60 juvenile offenders from detention and provide courts with an alternative to prison. Participants may be placed at the regional sites for up to six months and required to wear electronic monitoring ankle tags. Government tenders for companies to operate the camps are now open. Youth Justice Minister Laura Gerber said the scheme fulfils an election commitment by the LNP government. She argued that removing young offenders from environments contributing to their offending, while imposing structure, discipline and intensive rehabilitation, could prevent them from becoming further entrenched in the youth justice system. The program forms part of the government's broader hardline approach to youth crime, including its “adult crime, adult time” policy for juveniles convicted of serious offences. The legislation has attracted strong criticism from child rights experts, the opposition and others who question the safety, oversight and effectiveness of the camps. National Commissioner for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children and Young People Sue-Ann Hunter warned the laws would disproportionately affect First Nations children, who are already over-represented in youth justice. She and Opposition Leader Steven Miles compared the initiative with Queensland boot camps introduced in 2013, which were later criticised as ineffective in reducing reoffending. Labor also raised concerns about provisions that could allow providers not to report harm if doing so would incriminate them. Gerber said the camps would be covered by the Reportable Conduct Scheme and that providers would have an additional duty to report suspected harm to the chief executive of Youth Justice. Katter’s Australian Party leader Robbie Katter claimed his party had advocated a similar policy and amendments for years.

A Queensland coroner has concluded that no formal inquest is required into the death of 17-year-old Charlize Zmuda, who was fatally attacked by a shark at Woorim Beach on Bribie Island, north of Brisbane, on February 3, 2025. Emergency services were called to the unpatrolled beach shortly before 5pm, but Ms Zmuda could not be saved. Coroner Carol Lee determined that extensive injuries to her right upper limb, consistent with an attack by a bull shark, caused her death. The coroner’s report examined the shark-control measures operating at Woorim Beach and more broadly across Queensland. The beach was covered by the state’s Shark Control Program and had 18 drumlines positioned approximately 300 to 500 metres offshore. Shark nets were not used because of strong tidal currents. The drumlines had been serviced two days before the attack and were found to be operational, while a post-incident inspection also found no equipment problems. Only four sharks had been caught at the beach during the preceding year. Ms Lee found the existing shark-risk mitigation framework to be “appropriate”, while acknowledging that nets and drumlines cannot create an impenetrable barrier against shark attacks. She also considered the Queensland Government’s wider management plan, which includes more frequent equipment servicing, drone trials, and the continued use of nets and drumlines. The coroner decided that holding an inquest was not in the public interest because there was no ongoing uncertainty, conflict in the evidence, or unresolved suspicious circumstance surrounding the death. She said publishing the findings on the Coroners Court of Queensland website would be sufficient to highlight the circumstances and potentially help prevent similar deaths. The report therefore confirms the fatality’s cause and reviews the adequacy of existing control measures without recommending further coronial proceedings.

The article reports that musician Ed Sheeran and stadium owner Robert Kraft will donate US$2 million to humanitarian relief efforts in Gaza, following rapper Macklemore’s pledge to donate the US$1 million he earned from two appearances on Sheeran’s Loop tour. Macklemore said the donation was intended to refocus attention on Palestinians facing violence, military occupation and continued restrictions on their freedom. He also challenged Kraft, who owns Gillette Stadium, to match the donation after Kraft supported the decision to remove Macklemore from upcoming concerts at the venue. Kraft said Sheeran contacted him before Macklemore’s challenge and asked him to commit US$2 million. The funds are intended for the Palestinian Children’s Relief Fund, Heal Palestine, Gaza Soup Kitchen, Medical Aid Palestine, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency and Anera. Kraft said he hoped to work with Sheeran and other venue owners to build bridges and support humanitarian efforts. Sheeran had not publicly commented at the time of publication, and the article notes that it was unclear which charities would receive Macklemore’s donation. The donations follow a dispute over Macklemore’s removal from Sheeran’s tour. Sheeran said the decision was made by tour promoters and Kraft, while Kraft cited Macklemore’s recent pro-Palestinian comments and what he described as a broader history of antisemitic rhetoric and imagery. The tour’s remaining support acts also withdrew in solidarity with Macklemore. The article concludes with background on Kraft, including his ownership of the New England Patriots and Gillette Stadium, his philanthropic work, his friendship with Donald Trump, and a 2019 prostitution-related case that Florida prosecutors later dropped after evidence was excluded from court.

A woman has been arrested on suspicion of driving an SUV the wrong way down a busy Los Angeles avenue, running a red light and causing a chain-reaction collision with a public bus. The crash killed two people, Daniel Castillo, 46, and Gage Weida, 31, and injured six others. Police arrested 36-year-old Bailee Lynn Rios of Simi Valley on Tuesday night and set bail at $US4 million. The Los Angeles district attorney’s office is reviewing the case and will decide whether to file the charges or pursue different ones. About two hours later, a helicopter operated by Angel City Air for NBC4 and Telemundo 52 crashed in Chatsworth while covering the bus collision. The crash killed experienced aerial reporter Eliana Moreno and pilot George Marciniw. A third person on the ground, 29-year-old Edy Gutierrez Mejia of Guatemala, also died. The helicopter struck the ground near a storage facility, igniting at least four cars and two storage containers. The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating both incidents. Video broadcast from the helicopter shortly before the crash captured warning sounds and crew members discussing the aircraft’s loss of altitude. An NTSB investigator said the recording was likely the most important evidence found so far and that the sounds appeared consistent with engine-speed changes and advisory tones. The article also details the victims’ lives and the grief of their families and colleagues. Castillo’s daughter described him as a loving and caring presence who leaves behind four children. Rios’s mother expressed shock and remorse for the victims’ families. NBC4 and Telemundo colleagues paid emotional tribute to Moreno and Marciniw, remembering Moreno’s skill as a multilingual, multitasking journalist and Marciniw’s careful approach to flight safety.

South Australia has changed its regulations to allow appropriately trained midwives to conduct forensic examinations of sexual assault victim-survivors. The reform is intended to expand the state’s limited examination workforce, reduce waiting times and improve access for people living in regional and remote areas. The change follows a recommendation from the South Australian Royal Commission into Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence, which reported in August last year that regional communities often lacked enough medical practitioners and registered nurses able to conduct examinations. Attorney-General Kyam Maher said the new arrangements would give victim-survivors more options during an extremely distressing period and help ensure evidence was collected promptly. Timely examinations are important because forensic evidence can degrade, and victim-survivors may avoid washing or changing clothes while waiting for an examination. Health Minister Blair Boyer said midwives would receive 40 hours of training through Yarrow Place, the South Australian government’s sexual assault service. He said the expanded workforce should reduce delays and limit the need for people to travel long distances to Adelaide. SA Health currently has nine government-trained forensic examiners in Adelaide and three in regional South Australia. It said people are seen as soon as possible, although waiting times can be affected by other patients, travel difficulties and the immediate healthcare or safety needs of the individual. Yarrow Place has received 184 people for forensic testing so far this year, compared with 281 last year. Mary Leaker of Embolden, the state’s peak body for domestic, family and sexual violence services, welcomed the reform. She said expanding the regional workforce could improve wellbeing and justice outcomes, but urged authorities to monitor SA Health data to assess its impact. Leaker said similar reforms had produced positive results in Tasmania and expressed confidence the change would reduce the need for regional and remote victim-survivors to travel to Adelaide.

The article reports on the second day of cross-examination of “Complainant M,” a high-profile athlete who alleges broadcaster Alan Jones kissed him on the mouth without consent at public events in 2015 and 2020. Jones has pleaded not guilty to 22 charges of indecent assault and sexual touching involving six male complainants, and his trial is continuing in Sydney. During questioning by defence barrister Gabrielle Bashir SC, Complainant M maintained that the alleged 2015 kiss occurred, saying, “I know the kiss happened because I can’t get it out of my memory.” The defence challenged his recollection of the event, pointing to photographs, the event program and alleged inconsistencies in his accounts to police about where he was positioned and which direction he was facing. Bashir suggested the kiss could not have happened as described, but the complainant rejected that proposition. The defence also questioned the meaning of text messages exchanged between Jones and the complainant. One message sent after the alleged incident referred to Jones’s “kisses,” while the complainant acknowledged that Jones used similar expressions on other occasions, sometimes making him uncomfortable. The complainant said he agonised over how to respond and used the phrase “lots of love” because he wanted their relationship to return to normal. Questioning also focused on the complainant’s contacts with Jones after the alleged assault. Although his police statement indicated he did not recall seeing Jones again until a later occasion, he agreed that they had met several times, including for dinner, discussed working together and visited Jones’s property at Fitzroy Falls. He said he had been trying to forget what happened and behave as though it had not occurred. The trial continues.

The Sydney Roosters’ sudden-death NRL semifinal against the Cronulla Sharks will feature the latest and potentially final chapter of the entertaining rivalry between opposing wingers Mark Nawaqanitawase and Ronaldo Mulitalo. The match is scheduled for Saturday night at Sydney Football Stadium, with the winner advancing to face the Dolphins at Lang Park in the preliminary final. Nawaqanitawase, 26, could be playing his final NRL match before returning to rugby union with Japanese club Saitama Wild Knights. The former Wallabies player switched codes after the Paris Olympics and has made an immediate impact in rugby league, scoring 41 tries in 44 games for the Roosters. He has also represented the Kangaroos and New South Wales. Roosters centre Robert Toia expects the contest between the two wingers to provide “cinema,” describing their ongoing battles as a source of entertainment. Nawaqanitawase has produced several spectacular moments during his league career, including a try-of-the-year effort against Canterbury last season and a tap-ahead intercept and long-range try against Penrith in the previous week’s finals match. Although Mulitalo is known for sledging and can make their contests highly competitive, players from both teams stress that the pair respect one another. Roosters forward Siua Wong said the rivalry represented the best players competing directly against each other, while Sharks centre KL Iro noted that Mulitalo usually clears the air and shakes hands after matches. The Roosters and Sharks have already met in several memorable games, and Saturday’s semifinal is expected to be the final NRL instalment of the Nawaqanitawase-Mulitalo battle if Nawaqanitawase returns to union as planned.

Adelaide City Council is considering whether to restrict or ban AI-enabled smart glasses in public areas because of concerns that people can be recorded without their knowledge or consent. Councillor Phillip Martin will move a motion next week calling for an investigation into possible restrictions in locations such as parklands, libraries and meeting halls. He is particularly concerned about covert recording involving women and children, including the misuse of recordings on social media. The proposal follows action by other Australian councils. Yarra City Council has banned smart glasses in playgrounds, childcare centres and gyms, while Brisbane City Council has prohibited the non-consensual use of all camera-enabled devices, including wearable technology, phones and action cameras. Adelaide Fringe venue Gluttony is also considering restrictions, citing privacy and safety concerns at events such as burlesque performances and in areas where children are present. The issue has gained prominence as smart glasses have become cheaper and more widely available. Ray-Ban Meta AI glasses can cost up to $700, while lower-priced products, including an $89 Kmart alternative, are now available. The article notes that the devices also have legitimate and potentially transformative uses, particularly for blind and low-vision people who use them to identify objects and read labels. Advocates warn that blanket bans could unfairly exclude people with disabilities, and South Australian Greens MP Robert Simms has said any proposed state ban must include exemptions for disability aids. Simms plans to introduce legislation to ban smart glasses in schools, childcare centres, playgrounds, swimming pools and gyms. The federal government is not currently considering an import ban, while South Australia’s Local Government Association says regulation has not kept pace with the technology and calls for consistent state and federal rules. Experts support privacy protections but warn that local bans could be difficult to enforce. The article presents the debate as a balance between preventing covert recording and preserving beneficial uses of the technology.

US Air Force Major Jason Watson is facing possible court-martial and severe professional penalties after protesting the Trump administration in uniform at Capitol Hill. On July 1, 2026, Watson criticized President Donald Trump’s military actions involving Venezuela and Iran, arguing that ordering military action without an imminent threat was unconstitutional and violated Congress’s authority under the War Powers Clause. He called for Trump and Vice President JD Vance to be impeached, convicted and removed from office, then displayed a sign bearing the words “Impeach, Convict, Remove.” Capitol Police arrested him, and he was later taken into custody by Air Force investigators. Watson faces 10 charges under the Uniform Code of Military Justice: two counts under Article 88 for allegedly using contemptuous words against senior officials, five Article 92 charges for failure to obey a lawful order, and three Article 133 charges for conduct unbecoming an officer. An Article 32 hearing, scheduled for September 18, will determine whether there is sufficient evidence to proceed to a court-martial. Potential consequences include loss of rank and pay, reassignment, a dishonourable discharge, imprisonment and loss of benefits. A 17-year Air Force veteran, father and logistics officer, Watson says his activism grew after the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack and Trump’s return to office. He previously staged a 22-day hunger strike near the Capitol but attracted little public support. The article also details support from Democratic Senator and former Navy captain Mark Kelly and journalist Maria Shriver. It compares Watson’s situation with Australian military law, explaining that an Australian Defence Force member protesting in uniform could potentially breach Section 60 of the Defence Force Discipline Act, which carries a maximum penalty of three months’ imprisonment.

Western Australian police officer Nickolas Wayne Peake, 30, has pleaded guilty in the Midland Magistrates Court to aggravated common assault after assaulting his five-week-old baby daughter. The case was heard in Perth, where Peake appeared in court and admitted the charge. The baby was taken to Perth Children’s Hospital as a precaution following the incident, although the article does not report the child’s medical condition or any injuries. WA Police said detectives from its Child Abuse Squad laid the charge on Sunday, after the alleged assault. Peake is a serving police officer and has been stood down from duty while the legal process continues. He was released on bail after entering his guilty plea. Peake declined to answer questions from the media as he left court. He is scheduled to appear again next month. The report does not provide further details about the circumstances of the assault, the conditions of his bail, or the likely penalty. It focuses on the guilty plea, the police response, the precautionary hospital attendance and the officer’s suspension from duty. The case involves allegations of violence against an infant and remains before the courts, despite Peake’s guilty plea to the charge.

Two women whose images were found in child sexual abuse material connected to Jeffrey Epstein have filed a proposed class action against his estate, seeking damages for more than 40 people depicted in photographs and videos seized from his properties. The lawsuit, filed on Sept 16 in Manhattan federal district court, seeks at least US$6 million, with each class member potentially receiving US$150,000 and other penalties. The case names Darren Indyke, Epstein’s former attorney, and Richard Kahn, his former accountant, as co-executors of the estate. One plaintiff, identified as Jane Doe, alleges that Epstein stole partially nude photographs taken of her when she was 12. The second plaintiff, identified by the pseudonym Amy, says she appears in child sexual abuse material seized from Epstein’s properties in 2019 and that the material continues to be traded. According to the filing, the images include material from Epstein’s so-called “modelling book,” which federal investigators found at his New York home, as well as thousands of downloaded videos and images recovered from his properties. Plaintiffs’ lawyer Hillary Nappi said the class could eventually include thousands of people because most individuals depicted in the collection have not been identified. The lawsuit asks Epstein’s estate and federal authorities to work with the National Centre for Missing and Exploited Children to identify people shown in the material and notify them. It seeks to extend legal action against Epstein’s estate beyond claims involving sexual assaults, focusing also on people allegedly exploited as children through images created, obtained or distributed by Epstein and his associates. Epstein was convicted of soliciting sex from a minor in 2008 and charged with sex trafficking of minors in 2019. He died in a New York jail cell before trial, and his death was ruled a suicide. He was never prosecuted for creating, obtaining or distributing child sexual abuse material.

Federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent Christian Castro was arrested in Minneapolis on Sept 16 after being charged with assault and falsely reporting the circumstances of a shooting involving Venezuelan national Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis. Castro allegedly shot Sosa-Celis in the leg through the door of his apartment during an immigration operation, while children were inside. He later told US Department of Homeland Security officials that Sosa-Celis and others had attacked him with a snow shovel and broom, but prosecutors say video evidence disproved that account. Castro faces state charges in Minnesota for assault and false reporting, as well as federal charges for allegedly lying to investigators. He was arrested in downtown Minneapolis by the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension and booked into the Hennepin County jail. Although he had agreed to travel voluntarily from Texas to surrender, his lawyer said he was arrested shortly before reaching his attorney’s office. His attorneys maintain that he intended to face the charges and reject claims that he might flee to Mexico. The case became entangled in an extradition dispute between Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Texas Governor Greg Abbott. Castro had returned to Texas after the shooting and spent 90 days in a Texas county jail, but Abbott refused to sign Minnesota’s extradition papers. Castro was released on Aug 27 after a federal judge declined to order his immediate extradition. He was later re-arrested in Texas following a federal grand jury indictment and released on bond before returning to Minnesota. The shooting occurred during Operation Metro Surge, a large ICE deployment connected to President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown that prompted protests and clashes. Castro has been suspended by the Department of Homeland Security, and a civil rights investigation into the shooting is reportedly underway. He was scheduled to appear in Minnesota state court on Sept 17 and in federal court in St. Paul on Sept 18.

NASA researcher Robert Wagner has identified a newly formed crater on the Moon using data from NASA’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO). Named “McGetchin,” the crater is approximately 222m wide and is believed to have been created in spring 2024 when a comet or asteroid struck the lunar surface. Scientists estimate that an impact of this size occurs on the Moon about once a century or even less frequently. The object that produced the crater was reportedly three to six storeys high. Although the crater formed years before its discovery, Wagner noticed it in a new LRO scan as a large bright spot surrounded by a dark halo. The LRO has been observing the Moon since 2009. A study published on Sept 16 in Science Advances described McGetchin as the largest newly discovered crater in the solar system. The article clarifies that the Moon contains many craters much larger than McGetchin; the significance of this discovery lies in observing and studying a crater formed in relatively recent, well-documented times. Researchers say that examining such an impact can improve understanding of lunar geology and the effects of collisions on the Moon’s surface. This knowledge could also support preparations for future crewed lunar missions being planned by the United States and China. Unlike Earth, the Moon has virtually no atmosphere, meaning that space debris is not slowed or burned up before reaching the surface. As a result, impacts remain an important consideration for lunar exploration and mission planning.

California Governor Gavin Newsom signed a law on Sept 16 requiring advertisers to disclose when video or audio advertisements feature performers generated by artificial intelligence. The measure applies to any AI-created performer used in advertising and is intended to give consumers clear notice when the apparent person promoting a product is synthetic rather than human. Newsom described the law as a consumer-protection measure and part of California’s broader effort to establish safeguards around artificial intelligence. He said Californians should know when they are being addressed by an artificial creation and argued that the rules would protect consumers and performers while encouraging greater transparency. The legislation was drafted partly by SAG-AFTRA, the union representing actors. The union has opposed the use of digital avatars and other AI technologies that could replace human performers. Its director and chief negotiator, Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, said the law would help consumers distinguish synthetic performers from human ones and would contribute to efforts against deceptive AI practices. He also stressed that AI should not be deployed at the expense of human creativity and consent. The law comes amid growing concern in Hollywood about artificial intelligence. Writers and performers have previously gone on strike over fears that studios could use AI to produce content while reducing the need for human workers. The article contrasts California’s increasingly active approach with the US federal government under President Donald Trump, which has generally taken a hands-off position on AI and technology regulation. California has recently adopted other technology-related restrictions as well, including a law barring social media companies from offering addictive features to users under 16, making it the first US state to enact such a measure.

The article reports that the Trump administration is considering a major change to the Endangered Species Act that could remove one of the law’s central protections for threatened and endangered animals. The proposed change is described in an internal memo obtained by The New York Times and concerns the legal meaning of “take,” a term that has long been used to prohibit conduct harming protected animals. Under the interpretation outlined in the memo, accidentally killing or injuring an endangered animal would no longer necessarily be treated as an illegal act. Instead, enforcement would focus only on actions carried out with the specific intention of targeting an animal. This would represent a significant narrowing of the circumstances in which people or organizations could be held responsible for harm to endangered wildlife. The Straits Times characterizes the proposed reinterpretation as a “seismic shift” and says the administration is quietly moving to strip away a core safeguard of the Act. The wording emphasizes the potential scale of the change and its implications for wildlife conservation in the United States. The article identifies the proposal as an administrative reinterpretation of existing legal language rather than a new law passed by Congress. The report was published on September 17, 2026, by Catrin Einhorn from Washington. The supplied article excerpt does not include details about the administration’s public justification, reactions from conservation groups, or the memo’s prospects for implementation. Its focus is instead on the proposed definition of prohibited harm and the possible consequences for endangered animals that are accidentally injured or killed.

US President Donald Trump has ordered American government agencies to exclude Canadian goods from federal contracts, escalating an already worsening trade dispute between the United States and Canada. The directive was issued through a presidential memorandum in which the White House accused Canada of restricting US companies’ access to Canadian government procurement through its “Buy Canadian” policy. The measure follows months of retaliatory trade actions after a US-Canada trade truce collapsed at the last minute in August. The conflict has involved tit-for-tat tariffs and increasingly hostile rhetoric from both sides. Trump had previously warned that Canadian goods would be removed from US government purchases unless Canada restored what he described as “full and fair reciprocity” for American farmers and companies. The procurement order also comes amid a separate dispute involving Canada and Europe. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen offered Canada “associate member” status in a speech on Sept 16. Trump criticised the proposal as potentially a “hostile act” and threatened to impose additional tariffs on European goods or reduce trade with Europe. Trump previously said that Canadian goods and services sold through the US government’s Multiple Award Schedule were worth more than US$50 billion annually. However, a senior administration official later clarified that this figure represented the overall size of the US procurement market calculated by the White House, and that Canadian companies do not necessarily account for all of that amount. The order is the latest escalation in the broader North American trade conflict and could further strain relations between Washington and Ottawa.

The US House of Representatives has passed the Ratepayer Protection Act by an overwhelming 417-3 vote, marking the chamber’s first legislation directly addressing the economic effects of the country’s rapidly expanding data-centre industry. The Bill would require state utility regulators to consider whether large electricity users, including data centres, should pay the additional costs of power-generation and grid infrastructure built to serve them. The measure comes amid growing political tension over the data-centre boom. President Donald Trump strongly supports the construction of new facilities, describing data centres as essential to maintaining US leadership in artificial intelligence and calling them “the oil of the next 20, 25 years”. Supporters also argue that AI infrastructure is strategically important in competition with China and could bring wealth to states and communities. However, the industry’s enormous electricity demand has raised concerns about higher utility bills and other impacts on local communities. A University of Massachusetts Amherst poll found that only 11 per cent of Americans would support building an AI data centre in their community. Lawmakers from both parties are responding to constituent opposition, particularly ahead of the November midterm elections. Republican Representative Derrick Van Orden said the Bill would help address legitimate concerns while allowing data-centre development to continue, including on military bases. Critics, including Public Citizen and Democratic Representative Robert Garcia, said the legislation does not provide meaningful protection because it merely asks states to consider making data centres pay certain grid-interconnection costs. They also noted that it leaves broader consumer and community effects unresolved. The Bill’s passage may therefore be an initial step, but substantial disagreement remains over how data-centre expansion should be regulated and who should bear its costs.

OpenAI’s reported use of artificial intelligence to solve the century-old Navier-Stokes equations has unsettled the mathematics community and prompted debate about the future role of human mathematicians. The achievement, completed by thousands of AI agents in four days, is presented as the latest in a series of mathematical advances made by AI in 2026. Fields Medal winner Terence Tao described the development as causing an existential crisis in his field, while other experts acknowledged that AI systems have recently become much better at sustaining long, complex mathematical arguments without producing frequent errors. The article emphasizes, however, that the breakthrough may have depended heavily on decades of human research. OpenAI’s system reportedly followed approaches developed by Spanish researchers and later advanced by Tristan Buckmaster and Levent Alpoge, who said they had come close to a solution and questioned whether their work had been improperly used. OpenAI denied the plagiarism allegation. Mathematicians also worry that AI could solve problems without generating the insights, collaborations and new research directions that make mathematics valuable. Stanford professor Mohammed Abouzaid said current systems still lack the creative leaps needed to invent genuinely new mathematics. Caltech professor Anima Anandkumar described a contrasting approach in which a physics-informed neural network solved a simplified version of the equations without relying on previous researchers’ work, although humans still designed and tested the model. The article concludes that AI is unlikely to replace mathematicians entirely. Experts argue that human researchers will remain essential not merely for moving from one logical step to another, but for deciding which questions matter and how mathematical work can benefit society.

The article examines the Trump administration’s proposed US$2.8 billion arms deal to provide Israel with 60,000 one-ton bombs and related penetrator warheads. The sale would replenish Israel’s stockpile of heavy munitions, which has been significantly depleted by military operations in Gaza, the West Bank, Lebanon, Iran, Syria, Yemen and Iraq. Israel purchased nearly eight times as many one-ton bombs from the United States in 2025 as it did annually between 2012 and 2015. The weapons include Mk-84 and BLU-117 bombs, which can be fitted with precision guidance systems, detonated above ground or underground, and used against large buildings, tunnels and other fortified targets. Israel says such bombs are necessary because Hamas operates from underground tunnel networks and embeds fighters among civilians. Israeli officials also argue that the military attempts to limit civilian casualties. The sale is controversial because Israel has repeatedly used these weapons in densely populated areas of Gaza, including locations designated as safe zones for civilians. A New York Times investigation identified more than 200 instances of their use shortly after the October 7, 2023 Hamas-led attack and found large bomb craters in southern Gaza. Munitions experts and US military officers have said bombs of this size are generally unsuitable for urban warfare and are rarely used by US forces in densely populated areas. Congressional opposition is growing, but blocking the transfer would be extremely difficult. A congressional hold placed by Representative Gregory Meeks is not necessarily binding, and both the Biden and Trump administrations have used emergency powers to bypass congressional review. The proposed sale has fueled criticism from Democrats opposed to military aid for Israel and from conservative figures such as Tucker Carlson, who warned that the weapons could be used in Lebanon and other regional conflicts. The deal reflects Israel’s shift from preparing for short wars to sustaining prolonged, multi-front campaigns.

The United Nations has warned that the global water cycle is becoming increasingly unpredictable, with conditions swinging between severe shortages and excess water. The World Meteorological Organization’s annual State of Global Water Resources report found that 2025 was among the three driest years for rivers in the past 35 years. Only about 36 per cent of monitored river basins had normal flows, while a similar proportion experienced below-normal discharge and 21 per cent recorded above-normal flows. The report also highlighted a continued decline in the planet’s freshwater reserves. Glaciers shrank across every region in 2025, marking the fourth consecutive year of significant ice loss. Between 2023 and 2025, glaciers lost about 1,400 gigatonnes of water—roughly the amount contained in 560 million Olympic-sized swimming pools. Groundwater levels are also falling in many areas, with nearly two-thirds of monitored wells showing conditions outside historical norms in 2025. WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo said groundwater and glaciers act as slow-moving reserves that normally protect societies from the effects of individual droughts or dry seasons. Their depletion, however, means the world is effectively “spending” its water savings account, increasing the risk of water crises and disasters. The WMO said an exceptionally strong El Niño, expected to be the most powerful since comparable records began four decades ago, could intensify these risks by bringing drought to some regions and flooding to others. El Niño changes global wind and rainfall patterns through warmer-than-average Pacific Ocean temperatures. Saulo urged countries to improve cross-border cooperation by sharing data, standards and early-warning systems, noting that rivers and glaciers frequently connect multiple countries and that water-related disasters in one nation can devastate another.

The article reports that Russian air strikes injured people and damaged buildings in Kyiv and Odesa, Ukraine, during the early hours of Thursday, according to Ukrainian officials posting on Telegram. Although the headline says 18 people were injured across Ukraine, the specific incidents described in the article account for 13 injuries: 10 in Kyiv and three in Odesa. In Kyiv, city authorities said 10 people were wounded. Mayor Vitali Klitschko said the strikes damaged apartment and other inhabited buildings. Falling debris also hit warehouse facilities and landed near a petrol station, which the report describes as a frequent target of attacks. Explosions were heard in the capital by a Reuters witness. The article also notes that firefighters were working at a site of a Russian drone strike as smoke rose over the area. In Odesa, authorities said a Russian strike hit a 19-storey apartment building. Three people were injured, including a child. Odesa is identified as a Black Sea port city. The report does not provide information about fatalities, the extent of the structural damage, or the weapons used beyond describing the attacks as air strikes and a drone strike. The article is a concise breaking-news account based primarily on statements from local officials and observations by Reuters. It documents the immediate human and property impact of the attacks without offering broader military or political analysis. The injuries, damage to residential and commercial locations, and involvement of a child underscore the continuing danger posed to civilians in Ukrainian cities.

“Cartoon for September 17, 2026” is an opinion feature published by The National and attributed to cartoonist Shadi. The entry presents Shadi’s view of the cost of the Iran war to the United States, placing the subject within the wider context of the Middle East. The available article text contains the headline, section label, publication date and topical tags, but it does not include a written caption, transcript or description of the cartoon’s imagery. As a result, the specific visual jokes, symbols, characters or argument used in the cartoon cannot be established from the supplied material alone. The headline indicates that the cartoon focuses on the consequences and burdens of the conflict for the US rather than simply describing military developments. The framing is critical and likely intended to encourage readers to consider the financial, political or strategic costs associated with war, although the precise emphasis is not stated in the text. The use of the phrase “Shadi’s take” identifies the item as a personal editorial interpretation rather than a straight news report. The page also links to several other recent cartoons by Shadi, covering Sudan’s food crisis, rising oil prices, a new foldable iPhone, Israel’s actions involving Hezbollah tunnels, Donald Trump’s proposed “dividend” offer, UK-Israel relations, stolen artworks in France and higher petrol prices in Iran. These links show that the cartoon series addresses current affairs, international politics, economics, technology and culture. However, those related headlines are supporting page material and are not part of the main cartoon’s argument.

The article surveys rare books, manuscripts and photographs displayed at the 2026 Abu Dhabi International Book Fair, highlighting objects that connect ancient history, Islamic scholarship, European printing and the modern history of the Gulf. While most visitors attend to buy contemporary books, the fair also features artifacts that have survived for centuries, including one papyrus fragment nearly 1,850 years old. Rare-book dealer Hugo Wetscherek of Austria’s Inlibris says interest in such materials has grown during his 20 years attending the fair, alongside the development of museums in Abu Dhabi. The article presents eight notable finds, although the supplied text describes the first six. They include a second-century papyrus fragment containing the opening lines of Book II of Homer’s Iliad; a first edition of Galileo Galilei’s Sidereus Nuncius, published in Venice in 1610 and offered for £650,000; and a 1903 photograph showing the Sheikh of Sharjah and his staff, part of a €250,000 album documenting the Trucial Coast and other locations. Other highlights include a French Renaissance translation of Abu al-Wafa al-Mubashshir ibn Fatik’s collection of biographies, maxims and moral teachings; a photographic archive of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan’s visits to Pakistan in 1967 and 1970, comprising 183 photographs and original negatives; and a miniature Quran produced in Qajar Persia in 1869, still in its lacquer binding and decorated with intricate illumination. Together, the objects demonstrate how rare-book fairs preserve and circulate evidence of literary, scientific, religious and regional history.

Hilton plans to continue expanding aggressively across the Middle East despite a sharp revenue decline caused by the Iran war. The hotel group reported that regional revenue fell by about 30 per cent in the second quarter after a record start to the year, but the business recovered rapidly, with third-quarter revenue expected to be only about 2 per cent below the previous year. Simon Vincent, Hilton’s president for Europe, the Middle East and Africa, said the company expects to return to prewar performance levels next year, supported by the resilience of the UAE tourism market and the restoration of international airline capacity. Hilton’s development pipeline has remained intact throughout the conflict. The company expects to more than double its Middle East portfolio to more than 230 operating and planned hotels, with the pipeline estimated to create around 32,000 jobs. The UAE remains its largest operating market, with 36 trading hotels and 13 additional properties planned. Saudi Arabia represents more than half of Hilton’s regional pipeline, including 85 planned hotels, making it a major growth market for the group. The company is introducing brands such as Spark and Tempo in Saudi Arabia and is seeking growth across luxury, full-service, lifestyle, mid-market, budget and branded-residence segments. Hilton sees particular potential in mid-market hotels as international tourism returns. During the conflict, it retained hotel staff and reduced working hours rather than cutting jobs, aiming to preserve operational continuity. Hilton is also working to rebuild meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions demand in Dubai, while expecting leisure travel to recover first. Artificial intelligence is being introduced into travel research, booking, itinerary planning, customer personalisation and back-office functions. Vincent said AI would support employees and improve service rather than replace the people-focused workforce central to hospitality.

The article reports that Houthi rebels in Yemen are experimenting with advanced weapons that, according to Conflict Armament Research (CAR), have not been documented in the possession of any other armed group. These include components that may be used to build “loitering torpedoes” — underwater weapons that could significantly expand the Houthis’ ability to attack maritime targets. The group is also reportedly exploring hydrogen power to extend the range of uncrewed systems. Iran remains central to the Houthis’ military expansion. Arms experts say Iran supplies complete weapons and disassembled kits, while also helping the group develop the capacity to manufacture some systems locally in Yemen. The Houthis have expanded from using archaic Soviet-era missiles in 2014 to possessing at least 10 missile types, alongside drones, artillery rockets, loitering munitions, anti-tank guided missiles and other close-range systems. The developments come as the Houthis conduct a major offensive in Yemen. The group claims to have seized 5,400 square kilometres, including the country’s entire Red Sea coastline, while the fighting has displaced more than 125,000 people. The rebels have also attacked targets in Saudi Arabia, including a failed drone launch towards Makkah, and have previously attacked commercial shipping in solidarity with Palestinians and Iran. CAR analysts said the Houthis are improving not only their weapons but also their military tactics, including the use of time-sensitive ballistic-missile launches following surveillance-drone flights. The article says Iran-linked supply networks have been targeted by the US, UK and Yemeni pro-government forces, but the conflict continues. Meanwhile, reports of US-Houthi talks in Oman have emerged, although Washington declined to confirm them and said it remained focused on counter-terrorism cooperation with regional partners.

Israel and Morocco have agreed to strengthen their diplomatic relationship by upgrading their diplomatic missions to full embassies and appointing ambassadors. The agreement was reached in New York during a meeting between Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar, Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita and Mike Waltz, the US ambassador to the United Nations. The move is intended to deepen bilateral ties that were restored in 2020 under the US-brokered Abraham Accords. According to an Israeli government statement, the officials reaffirmed their commitment to advancing relations. Mr Saar said the countries also agreed to expand direct flights to include Moroccan airlines, increase high-level visits and work towards concluding two economic agreements by the end of 2026. He described the relationship as important and said it held significant potential for both countries. Mr Waltz said the discussions would promote co-operation in security, trade and regional integration. He presented the agreement as evidence that the Abraham Accords had endured despite regional challenges, writing that critics of the accords had been proven wrong six years after their creation. Israel and Morocco established diplomatic relations in 2020, alongside Bahrain, Sudan and the UAE, through the Abraham Accords. The agreements represented a major expansion of Israel’s diplomatic and economic engagement with Arab states. Israel also maintains formal peace treaties with Egypt and Jordan. However, the normalisation process has faced opposition from Palestinian leaders. They have warned that agreements between Israel and Arab countries could undermine the longstanding Arab position that normalisation should be linked to Israel’s withdrawal from occupied territory and recognition of Palestinian statehood. The article presents the diplomatic upgrade as a step towards closer Israeli-Moroccan relations while acknowledging the wider political controversy surrounding the Abraham Accords.

Lionel Messi scored his 100th goal for Inter Miami as the club defeated Cruz Azul 2-0 in the 2026 Campeones Cup final at Nu Stadium in Miami, Florida. Messi opened the scoring in the 24th minute, heading in a cross from Luis Suarez to reach the milestone in his 115th appearance for the MLS side. Casemiro, who joined Inter Miami during the summer after leaving Manchester United, added a second goal in the 81st minute by heading in a corner delivered by Messi. The victory represents another major achievement for Inter Miami, which has added several trophies since Messi joined the club three years ago. Miami previously won the Leagues Cup in 2023, the Supporters’ Shield in 2024 and the MLS Cup in 2025. The Campeones Cup triumph is also the 48th trophy of Messi’s career. The article places Messi’s latest achievement in the context of his extensive career. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner won 10 LaLiga titles and four Uefa Champions League crowns with Barcelona, two Ligue 1 titles with Paris Saint-Germain, and several major international honors with Argentina, including the 2022 World Cup and Copa America titles in 2021 and 2024. Earlier in September, the 39-year-old reportedly ended his international career after Argentina lost the 2026 World Cup final to Spain. Messi finished his international career with 207 caps and 125 goals, making him Argentina’s most-capped player and all-time leading scorer. The 2026 match was the eighth edition of the Campeones Cup. Mexican clubs had won the previous three editions, while Cruz Azul suffered its second defeat in the competition’s final, having also lost in 2021.

Macklemore has donated $1 million in net earnings from Ed Sheeran’s Loop tour to six organizations providing humanitarian assistance to Palestinians. The donation follows his removal as an opening act from the remaining US dates after he expressed support for Palestine during performances at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. The rapper called for a “free Palestine” and said Palestinians in Gaza and the occupied West Bank had not been forgotten. Macklemore directed the money to the Palestine Children’s Relief Fund, Heal Palestine, Gaza Soup Kitchen, Medical Aid for Palestinians, the UNRWA USA National Committee and Anera. He also challenged Robert Kraft, owner of the New England Patriots and Gillette Stadium, to match his contribution. Kraft later said he and Sheeran would each pledge $2 million to humanitarian aid in the region, bringing the combined announced contributions to $5 million. Kraft did not identify the organizations that would receive his money. He said Sheeran had contacted him before Macklemore’s challenge and had already asked him to commit the donation. The dispute began after the Israeli-American Council launched a petition demanding Macklemore’s removal. Kraft cited what he described as the rapper’s “broader history of antisemitic rhetoric and imagery,” allegations Macklemore has denied. Sheeran said he had not personally removed Macklemore, explaining that venue owners had objected and promoters ultimately made the decision. The controversy expanded when the remaining opening acts—Finneas, Aaron Rowe and Lukas Graham—withdrew in solidarity with Macklemore and Palestine. Irish folk group Beoga also withdrew as Sheeran’s backing band. Macklemore said the focus should remain on Palestinians affected by the war, including families, medical workers, journalists and aid workers, and promised to continue speaking out after public attention on the tour dispute fades.

Manchester United suffered a damaging 3-2 home defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion in the third round of the League Cup after surrendering a two-goal lead. Shea Lacey opened the scoring in the early stages with his first senior goal, and Mason Mount doubled United’s advantage shortly afterwards. However, Charalampos Kostoulas reduced the deficit in first-half stoppage time before Pascal Gross equalised in the 65th minute and Maxim De Cuyper completed Brighton’s comeback four minutes later. The defeat was historically poor for United: it was their first home loss after leading by two goals since Tottenham Hotspur achieved the same result in September 1976. It also marked their third consecutive domestic cup exit, following last season’s penalty defeat by fourth-tier Grimsby Town and a home FA Cup loss to Brighton in January. The result came after a controversial Premier League defeat by Manchester City and left United 13th in the table with just one win from four league games. The player ratings were largely critical. Marcus Rashford was judged United’s best player, earning 6/10 for his pressing, running and attacking work, although he missed a clear chance late on. Lacey received the highest rating, 7/10, for an encouraging display and his first goal. Karl Darlow, making his United debut, was given 4/10, while the defence struggled badly, with Ayden Heaven rated 3/10 and Leny Yoro 4/10. Mansour Mazraoui also scored 3/10 after going off injured and being heavily exposed for Brighton’s winner. Andrey Santos, Benjamin Sesko and Youri Tielemans were criticised for ineffective performances. Substitutes Bruno Fernandes and Kobbie Mainoo improved United slightly, but the article argues that Fernandes should not have been required while United were two goals ahead. Manager Michael Carrick accepted responsibility, while Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler said his side deserved to win.

The National’s editorial warns that Sudan’s worsening humanitarian crisis is being neglected despite the scale of civilian suffering and the country’s strategic importance. The World Food Programme estimates that 20 million Sudanese are facing acute hunger, including 5 million at emergency levels and 200,000 experiencing catastrophic food shortages. The agency’s acting chief, Carl Skau, cautions that funding shortfalls could force it to reduce operations within weeks. In El Fasher, only 20,000 people receive food assistance, while in Tawila, Darfur, the WFP is feeding roughly 950,000 people each month but can provide only half rations. The editorial argues that the consequences will extend beyond Sudan. The country’s three-year war has displaced millions, increasing migration toward the Mediterranean, the Gulf, Chad, South Sudan and Ethiopia. Instability along the Red Sea threatens already vulnerable shipping routes, while failed harvests and rising agricultural costs could intensify food insecurity across the region. The crisis is therefore presented not only as a moral emergency but also as a test of whether international funding fatigue and geopolitical rivalry will determine access to food. The UAE has provided $800 million in aid since the war began in April 2023 and, together with the United States, has advocated for a nationwide arms embargo at the UN Security Council. However, the editorial says individual-country assistance cannot replace a coordinated international response. It also warns that restoring stability must not mean empowering the generals responsible for the conflict. Citing alleged atrocities and evidence of chemical-weapons use by the Sudanese Armed Forces, it highlights US adviser Massad Boulos’s statement that neither Abdel Fattah Al Burhan nor Mohamed Dagalo should lead Sudan. The editorial concludes that humanitarian and diplomatic efforts should support a rapid, civilian-led transition and ensure that Sudan’s future is determined by its people rather than its armed factions.

Farah Andrews reviews The Peninsula New York, a luxury hotel occupying the historic 700 Fifth Avenue building in Midtown Manhattan. Although the hotel is situated amid the noise and activity of Fifth Avenue and 55th Street, the review emphasizes its remarkable calm and its convenient proximity to Central Park, Rockefeller Centre, Broadway, the Museum Mile and major shopping areas. The hotel’s history is central to its appeal. The Beaux-Arts building dates to 1905 and originally operated as the Gotham Hotel. Its historic character remains visible in features such as the entrance staircase and the mezzanine-level Gotham Lounge, which were preserved during a 2024 renovation. The arrival experience is grand but not intimidating, combining a 14,000-crystal chandelier, fresh flowers and rotating artwork with discreet, polished service. Andrews stays in a 98-square-metre Premier Deluxe Suite with a separate living room, dining table, desk, fireplace, dressing area and large bathroom. The suite’s deep soaking tub overlooks Fifth Avenue, while double-glazed windows and thick walls provide an unusually quiet environment. The hotel has 219 rooms and suites, including 54 suites. Dining highlights include an à la carte breakfast at Clement, particularly the blueberry buttermilk pancakes, as well as room-service staples such as an oversized ice-cream sundae and club sandwich. Rooftop bar Pen Top offers skyline views in the evenings. The hotel also provides extensive wellness facilities, including a naturally lit 22nd-floor pool, spacious gym, yoga studio, salon and a three-level spa with thermal facilities. The reviewer praises the facial treatment and attentive service, noting that she fell asleep during the treatment. The supplied article ends partway through its verdict, but the review is clearly favorable, presenting the hotel as a refined, quiet and highly polished retreat in the center of Manhattan.

India have won the first two matches of their T20 series against Afghanistan by comfortable seven-wicket margins, but the selection of teenage batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has become the central talking point. Sooryavanshi, who was left out of both matches, had been expected to feature after a remarkable run of form. He impressed during the Indian Premier League and was named player of the series in Zimbabwe in July at only 15 years old. Instead, India used the experienced opening combination of Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson. Abhishek scored 82 in the first match, while Samson made a rapid 57 in the second. Samson had previously lost his place after a disappointing tour of Ireland and England, but returned to the side after India’s management decided that his experience and wicketkeeping were valuable in Asian conditions. Samson acknowledged that Sooryavanshi’s IPL form had made his selection unavoidable at the time, but said the teenager’s omission was understandable while India were trying to win the series. The article argues that India cannot keep Sooryavanshi out indefinitely. Although pairing him with Abhishek could make the opening order more aggressive and unpredictable, Sooryavanshi is viewed as a rare, in-form talent with the skills to succeed on a variety of surfaces. The next ODI and T20 World Cups will be held in South Africa and Australia, where faster pitches will pose different challenges from those in Asia. India are expected to give Sooryavanshi a chance in the third T20, but will then need to make a clear decision about his role. The article warns that repeated changes and prolonged omission could cause him to fade from the team’s plans, as has happened to other talented Indian players such as Yashasvi Jaiswal. Ultimately, failing to develop Sooryavanshi would be a loss for Indian cricket.

An Argentinian judge has ordered the suspension of a British-Israeli oil project near the Falkland Islands, in a largely symbolic legal move that forms part of Argentina’s renewed campaign to assert its sovereignty claim over the British-administered territory. The interim ruling was issued by a court in Tierra del Fuego after 1982 war veterans and environmental lawyers filed a lawsuit seeking to halt development of the Sea Lion oilfield. The order applies to Rockhopper Exploration of the United Kingdom and Israel’s Navitas Petroleum. It prohibits the companies from beginning or continuing activities involving drilling, infrastructure installation, or hydrocarbon extraction until an environmental impact assessment has been completed by Argentina’s nationally competent environmental authority. The companies and other parties have been given 10 days to provide information about the project, including its current status, contractors, and financiers. The decision follows legal action by President Javier Milei’s administration, which argues that oil exploration near the islands violates a United Nations resolution calling on Argentina and the United Kingdom to avoid unilateral actions while their sovereignty dispute remains unresolved. Argentina announced additional complaints against companies involved in offshore exploration just one day before the ruling. The Falklands, known in Argentina as the Malvinas, have been administered by Britain since the 19th century. Argentina and the United Kingdom fought a 74-day war over the islands in 1982, resulting in the deaths of 649 Argentine soldiers, 255 British troops, and three islanders. Buenos Aires has intensified its claim following remarks by US President Donald Trump suggesting Washington might reconsider its traditionally neutral position. Britain rejects the jurisdiction of Argentine courts and says the islands are British, while most residents voted in 2013 to remain part of the United Kingdom. Argentina rejects that vote, arguing that the islanders are a population implanted by Britain and therefore cannot invoke self-determination.

The article examines whether the United States can regulate artificial intelligence without weakening its ability to compete with China. It focuses on a policy debate in Washington over how to manage AI’s potential risks while preserving the rapid innovation that has helped American technology companies remain globally competitive. The central question is whether regulation necessarily slows technological progress or whether carefully designed rules can create a stable environment for continued development. According to the article’s description, industry experts argue that governance does not have to mean “hitting the brakes.” Instead, regulation could establish safeguards for the risks associated with AI while still giving companies sufficient freedom and certainty to innovate. This suggests a possible middle path between imposing restrictive controls and allowing the technology to develop without meaningful oversight. The article is presented through Al Jazeera’s “This is America” program and frames the issue in the context of strategic competition between Washington and Beijing. China is treated as the key rival in the discussion, with concerns that excessive American regulation could allow China to gain an advantage. At the same time, the description implies that effective rules could strengthen American companies by managing risks and supporting responsible technological growth. The available text does not identify specific regulations, companies, experts, or policy proposals, nor does it provide a definitive answer about whether the United States will remain ahead. Instead, it introduces the broader policy question and highlights the tension between safety, governance, innovation, and international competition. The overall presentation is analytical and balanced, emphasizing that regulation and technological leadership may not be mutually exclusive.

This brief Al Jazeera Newsfeed report describes a new flooding event affecting Valencia, Spain, on 17 September 2026. Torrential rain has caused flooding in the region, prompting rescue operations and producing major disruptions to travel. The report does not provide detailed figures on injuries, deaths, property damage, or the number of people rescued, but it emphasizes the seriousness of the situation through its reference to emergency rescues and widespread transport problems. The flooding is particularly significant because it occurred almost two years after the catastrophic floods that struck Valencia province in October 2024. That earlier disaster killed more than 220 people and remains a powerful reference point for residents and authorities in the region. By highlighting the earlier tragedy in the headline and description, the report places the latest rainfall within a broader context of heightened public concern and vulnerability. The article is presented as a short video news item rather than a detailed written investigation. Its focus is on the immediate effects of the rain—flooding, rescue activity, and travel disruption—while also reminding viewers of the human cost of the 2024 disaster. It does not identify specific municipalities, explain the cause of the torrential rainfall, or report whether the current flooding has produced fatalities. Likewise, it offers no detailed forecast or information about the duration of the event. Overall, the report informs audiences about a developing weather emergency in Valencia and underscores why the latest floods are especially alarming for a community still remembering the deaths and devastation of 2024.

Morocco’s September 23, 2026 legislative election is presented as a test not only of party strength but also of citizens’ trust in the country’s political system. Twenty-seven parties are competing for 395 seats in the House of Representatives, with more than 15.8 million registered voters. Under Morocco’s 2011 constitutional framework, the party winning the most seats is positioned to lead government formation, although the king retains a central institutional role and the parliamentary result does not determine the entire distribution of power. The article focuses especially on younger Moroccans, who report relatively low levels of trust in Parliament, the head of government and political parties, while also showing greater willingness than older citizens to engage through social media and demonstrations. Morocco’s registered electorate is weighted toward older voters, even as young people face severe economic difficulties: youth unemployment reached 37.3 percent in 2025, and more than a quarter of young people were not in employment, education or training. Economic performance is therefore central to political credibility. Although the IMF expects strong GDP growth in 2026, growth has not generated enough jobs or sufficiently improved living standards. The governing coalition parties—the National Rally of Independents, Authenticity and Modernity Party, and Istiqlal—have emphasized employment, wages, purchasing power and public services, including pledges to create one million jobs. The Justice and Development Party, led by former head of government Abdelilah Benkirane, is attempting to recover after its collapse in the 2021 election. The election will ultimately test whether Morocco can connect ambitious development plans with improvements visible in citizens’ daily lives. The article concludes that structural economic problems cannot be solved through short-term campaign promises, and that frustration may increasingly find expression outside conventional electoral politics.

Washington Capitals star Alex Ovechkin has appeared in a campaign video supporting Russian President Vladimir Putin’s United Russia party ahead of Russia’s nationwide parliamentary elections. The Capitals defended the NHL record-setting scorer, saying he was “asked by his country to participate” while he was in Russia during the summer. The team emphasized that Ovechkin’s focus remains on the upcoming NHL season and his role in Washington, DC. Ovechkin has long been an outspoken supporter of Putin. He founded the PutinTeam social movement in 2017 to back the president’s 2018 reelection campaign and continues to display a photograph of himself with Putin on his official Instagram account. His involvement in the latest campaign video has nevertheless attracted criticism because Russia’s war in Ukraine is entering its fifth year. United Russia is expected to retain its majority in the State Duma, although the tightly controlled election is viewed by the Kremlin as an indication of public sentiment about the war. After Russia invaded Ukraine, Ovechkin called for “no more war” but also said Putin was his president and that he was not involved in politics. In 2023, Capitals fans protested outside Capital One Arena and urged him to remove photographs of Putin from his social media profile. Czech former NHL star Dominik Hasek, a prominent critic of Putin, argued that Ovechkin’s public stance made him significantly responsible for the human cost of the conflict. Ovechkin, who is turning 41, has scored 929 goals in 1,573 NHL games. He signed a one-year, $4.25m contract in July to return to Washington for a 22nd season and has not said whether it will be his last.

British Prime Minister Andy Burnham and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney held their first bilateral meeting, focusing on cooperation in artificial intelligence and defence. The talks concluded with the leaders attending a League Cup football match between Everton and Wolverhampton Wanderers at Everton’s stadium in Liverpool. According to a statement from the British Prime Minister’s Office, Burnham and Carney agreed that governments and technology companies should work together to promote online safety and address the risks posed by AI. The meeting followed comments from Burnham’s spokesperson welcoming increased discussion among leading AI companies about both the technology’s opportunities and dangers. The spokesperson said policymaking should be based on evidence rather than speculation and warned that existing regulatory systems may become inadequate as AI capabilities develop. Neither the UK nor Canada currently has a dedicated, comprehensive AI law. Britain has pursued a “pro-innovation”, sector-led model since publishing a policy paper in March 2023, leaving sectoral regulators responsible for supervising AI rather than creating a standalone legal framework. Canada’s Artificial Intelligence and Data Act was abandoned after Parliament was prorogued in January 2025, and the legislation has not been reintroduced. Ottawa currently relies on privacy legislation and a voluntary industry code. Defence discussions focused on reconciling competing British and Canadian proposals for an allied military financing bank. The talks also took place as Canada considers joining the UK-led Joint Expeditionary Force and participates as an observer in the Global Combat Air Programme. Separately, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has proposed that Canada become the European Union’s first associate member, as Ottawa seeks stronger links with Europe amid continuing trade tensions with the United States.

The Al Jazeera report states that a spokesman for US Central Command described the US blockade of the Strait of Hormuz as “highly effective.” Captain Tim Hawkins reportedly told Al Jazeera that Iran does not control the strategically important waterway. He also said that approximately 900 million barrels of oil have passed through the strait since May. The report presents the claims as statements from the US military official and does not provide additional comment from Iranian authorities, independent verification, or further detail about how the blockade is being enforced. Its focus is the reported effectiveness of the US operation and the continued movement of oil through the Strait of Hormuz despite the alleged blockade. The strait is a major maritime route for global energy shipments, making claims about its accessibility and control significant in the context of the US-Israel war on Iran referenced in the headline. Published on September 17, 2026, the article is a brief news video item rather than a detailed analysis. It primarily relays the CENTCOM spokesman’s assessment: that Iran lacks control over the waterway and that substantial oil traffic has continued. The wording “highly effective” reflects the US military’s characterization of its own operation, while the reported oil-flow figure is offered as evidence of activity in the strait. The article does not explain whether the blockade is intended to stop all shipping, restrict particular vessels, or achieve another military objective.

The article reports that Max Verstappen, the four-time Formula One world champion, won a novelty go-karting competition at Silverstone in the United Kingdom. The event, titled “Max vs 100,” placed the 28-year-old Dutch driver against 100 other go-karters. According to the report, Verstappen needed only 14 laps and 35 minutes to overtake the competitors in what is described as an unruly but entertaining contest. The item presents the achievement as a light-hearted motorsports spectacle rather than a conventional Formula One race. Its emphasis is on the unusual scale of the challenge—the participation of 100 go-karters—and on Verstappen’s speed in completing it. The report does not provide additional details about the event’s format, the identities or experience levels of the other participants, the type of karts used, or whether the 14 laps represented a race distance or the time required to pass the field. It also does not mention a prize, official championship status, or any wider sporting consequences. Published on September 17, 2026, the short Al Jazeera video-news item is essentially a concise account of Verstappen’s performance at Silverstone. It identifies him by both his nationality and Formula One record, while using the phrases “fun” and “unruly” to convey the informal character of the competition. The result is notable not because it changes Verstappen’s Formula One standing, but because it turns a familiar motorsports venue into an unusual mass go-karting challenge. Overall, the article portrays the event as an entertaining demonstration of the champion’s driving ability and a playful break from the formal Formula One calendar.

A systematic review of 23 studies involving more than 1.9 million people found that individuals with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) had significantly higher odds of experiencing gastrointestinal symptoms than people without ADHD. Researchers screened more than 9,000 records and found elevated odds for every symptom examined, including irritable bowel syndrome, constipation, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, indigestion and encopresis, or loss of bowel control. Overall, ADHD was associated with a 48% increase in the odds of gastrointestinal symptoms. The relationship was especially strong for constipation, for which the odds were nearly twice as high, and encopresis, for which they were more than four times as high. However, the review establishes an association rather than proving that ADHD causes gastrointestinal problems. The researchers proposed several possible explanations. Emotional dysregulation, stress sensitivity, irregular eating patterns, skipped meals, binge eating and food-related sensory sensitivities may affect digestive symptoms and bowel habits. Selective diets that are lower in fibre could also contribute to constipation. Differences in interoception—the ability to recognise internal bodily signals—might reduce awareness of the need to use the toilet, potentially contributing to constipation or encopresis. ADHD medication, including stimulants such as methylphenidate, may also play a role because side effects can include appetite suppression, abdominal pain, nausea and constipation. Sleep disturbances associated with ADHD could affect gastrointestinal movement and sensitivity. Researchers additionally identified the gut microbiome and genetic factors as possible biological pathways, noting that differences in microbial composition may influence inflammation and gut-brain communication. The authors said the findings warrant greater clinical attention. They recommended that clinicians caring for people with ADHD consider asking about gastrointestinal symptoms, particularly when those symptoms affect quality of life.

Anthropic is being valued above $2 trillion in pre-IPO markets, more than twice the $965 billion valuation established by its latest private funding round. The company has filed its IPO documents confidentially and selected Nasdaq, but investors are waiting for the public release of its S-1 registration statement before they can assess its financial condition in detail. In the meantime, traders on Hyperliquid are using perpetual futures to speculate on Anthropic’s potential valuation. The implied market capitalisation reached approximately $2.36 trillion and stood near $2.15 trillion when the article was written. However, the market is relatively illiquid, with only $6 million in daily trading volume and $31 million in open interest. Market maker Heng Yu Lee said the contracts reflect genuine investor demand and changing sentiment, but warned that their absolute valuation should not be relied upon until the S-1 is public. Anthropic’s rapid rise has been supported by strong enterprise demand for Claude. Its annualised revenue run rate exceeded $65 billion by late July, although reported losses approached $42 billion in 2025 as the company financed the development of frontier AI models. Amazon has committed up to $33 billion, while Anthropic plans to spend more than $100 billion on AWS technology over the next decade. Reports suggest the IPO could target a valuation of $2 trillion and raise more than $60 billion. The listing would add to a crowded 2026 AI IPO market that includes Cerebras Systems and SpaceX. OpenAI, by contrast, has postponed its own offering. The article also highlights a tension surrounding Anthropic’s public debut: CEO Dario Amodei is calling for slower, safer development of advanced AI even as the company seeks public funding for continued frontier-model expansion. Support from Sam Altman and Elon Musk contrasts with opposition from Donald Trump and China’s government. Consequently, investors are expected to examine Anthropic’s S-1 risk disclosures particularly closely.

The 2026 Oxford Economics Global Cities Index places European and North American cities at the top of the global rankings, with 78 of the top 100 located in these regions. Europe contributes 44 cities and the United States 30, while Canada accounts for four. New York leads the overall ranking, followed by London and Paris; Dublin ranks sixth and Zurich tenth. Seattle, San Francisco, Boston and San Jose also feature in the top 10. The index evaluates cities according to economics, human capital, quality of life, environmental performance and governance. US cities generally outperform in economics and human capital, benefiting from strong business ecosystems and access to skilled workers. European cities tend to perform better in quality of life, environmental resilience and governance. London is a notable exception, recording the index’s highest human-capital score, although its quality-of-life score is weakened by housing costs. Housing affordability is a shared problem for London, Dublin and New York, while comparatively affordable cities such as Toulouse may attract more workers and businesses. Dublin was one of Europe’s biggest risers, moving up seven places to sixth, while Warsaw climbed 109 places to 61st. Other notable gainers included Istanbul, Madrid, Budapest, Helsinki and Brussels. Rome and Lisbon fell substantially. Oxford Economics identified Warsaw, Tallinn, Eindhoven, Manchester and Toulouse as European cities to watch because of their prospects in finance, technology, advanced manufacturing, aerospace and business services. Artificial intelligence and related technologies are expected to shape future urban growth. London, Eindhoven and Tallinn are well positioned in Europe, while Taipei, Kuala Lumpur and Shenzhen are rising globally through semiconductors, data centres, AI and advanced manufacturing. Although Europe and North America currently dominate, Asian cities are forecast to drive the next phase of growth. By 2050, Chinese and Indian cities are expected to generate a larger share of global-city GDP than European cities, with Shanghai and Ho Chi Minh City projected to close the economic gap with major Western cities.

In her State of the Union speech, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen presented several proposals intended to reshape Europe’s security and defence architecture amid Russia’s war against Ukraine, suspected sabotage operations, drone incursions and uncertainty over the future of the US military presence in Europe. The proposals are expected to form part of a broader EU security strategy due next month, but the article stresses that many practical details remain unresolved. The most prominent proposal is a European Security Council, a security-focused format within the EU leaders’ framework that would include close partners such as Ukraine, the United Kingdom, Norway and Canada. Although similar ideas have been proposed by France and Germany before, von der Leyen did not provide a timetable, specific deliverables or a clear explanation of how the body would relate to NATO or the Coalition of the Willing. Von der Leyen also called for an Emergency Security Protocol to help EU countries coordinate responses to hybrid threats that fall below the threshold of armed attack. The mechanism would build on the EU’s mutual defence clause and could be activated in response to sabotage, cyberattacks or other lower-intensity incidents without automatically requiring military intervention. However, officials and experts question whether a new protocol would add meaningful deterrence, given that both the EU and NATO already have response procedures. Finally, she announced a European Instrument for Strategic Enablers to support investment in satellites, airlift, refuelling and intelligence capabilities. These assets are viewed as essential to modern military operations, particularly if the United States reduces its military presence in Europe. Yet the scale and funding of the initiative remain unclear, with estimates suggesting that replacing US capabilities could cost around €500 billion. Overall, the speech outlines an ambitious direction but leaves major questions about implementation, financing, institutional overlap and political commitment.

French President Emmanuel Macron is due to host Jordan’s King Abdullah II and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun in Paris to discuss international support for the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF). The meeting, linked to Jordan’s Aqaba Process, will bring together officials and military experts from France, Britain, Jordan, Lebanon and the United States. Discussions will focus on the LAF’s possible deployment in southern Lebanon and the assistance it may need, including funding, equipment, intelligence and operational guidance. The talks take place ahead of the planned end of the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) mandate on 31 December 2026, followed by a year-long withdrawal. Lebanon is seeking to prevent a security vacuum, while France, Italy and several EU countries are exploring a new civilian and military coalition to support the Lebanese state. Aoun has said that any replacement force should be temporary and that extending UNIFIL’s mandate remains the best option. The situation is complicated by continued hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah. Israeli strikes and military operations have displaced residents in southern Lebanon, while Hezbollah has continued attacks against northern Israel. Israel has linked a full withdrawal from Lebanon to Hezbollah’s disarmament, but Hezbollah has rejected such demands. Aoun nevertheless insists that Lebanon’s decision to establish a state monopoly on weapons is not negotiable. The article also examines France’s historical and diplomatic role in Lebanon. Analyst Karim Émile Bitar argues that the LAF faces an exceptionally difficult mission because it lacks resources and must confront a powerful militia with significant political and community support. He says Lebanon’s territorial integrity, sovereignty and internal unity are all under pressure, while France’s exclusion from earlier ceasefire negotiations weakened Beirut’s position. Overall, the meeting is presented as an effort to build international backing for Lebanon while addressing the unresolved conflict with Israel and Hezbollah.

The article examines how Australian scientists and businesses are developing ways to divert waste from landfill by converting it into useful products. Scientist Lynne Loo began researching waste from the abalone industry a decade ago and has since focused on helping startups identify commercial opportunities for discarded materials. Her work is set against Australia’s significant waste problem: the country produces approximately 76 million tonnes of waste annually, much of which is sent to landfill. One project, led by Matt Barber, extracts cellulose from food waste in a homemade laboratory. The resulting material can be used to make paper, leather, wood products or bioplastics. Barber says the process can create a tree-like raw material in a week rather than requiring decades for a tree to grow. Loo supports the project by helping the startup find suitable markets and applications. At a waste facility in Collie, Western Australia, the company Renergi is using thermal conversion technology to process biomass and municipal waste. The process produces vinegar, biochar and oil, while recovering more than 70 per cent of the material. Renergi says it can process almost 30,000 tonnes of biomass waste and 4,000 tonnes of municipal waste each year. Its biochar is already being used on fruit farms and at a winery in southern Western Australia. Supported by the Australian Renewable Energy Agency, the Collie project is expected to become one of Australia’s largest producers when it reaches full production. Loo argues that visible examples of successful waste innovation are important because they demonstrate that alternatives to landfill are practical. Overall, the article presents waste conversion, reuse and circular-economy technologies as promising tools for reducing disposal and creating new commercial products.

This Euronews page presents the morning edition of its latest news bulletin, updated on 17 September 2026 at 07:00 GMT+2. The bulletin is described as a concise roundup of major developments from Europe and around the world, covering world affairs, business, politics, culture, entertainment and travel. Euronews emphasizes that the program is produced with an independent editorial approach and a European perspective, while providing context intended to help viewers understand rapidly developing events. The page does not include a transcript or detailed report of the bulletin itself; instead, it provides a video entry and a collection of related video headlines. The linked coverage spans a wide range of international and European issues. Topics include the reported 25-year prison sentence imposed on former Kosovo President Hashim Thaçi by a war crimes court, deadly building collapses in Gaza, relations between the European Union and Canada, and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s State of the Union speech. Other reports concern Belarusian military drills near the Suwałki Gap, tensions between the United States and the EU, Canada’s proposed associate membership of the EU, and the use of customs dogs alongside artificial intelligence. The related list also features stories about wildfires in Spain’s Valencia region, Kazakhstan’s efforts to diversify trade, political prisoners released in Belarus, burglary risks in Europe, violence and displacement in Yemen, robots designed for physical tasks, the cost of the Iran war to the United States, and controversies involving asylum policy, fuel pricing and artists’ political statements. Overall, the page functions primarily as a video-news landing page and promotional overview rather than a standalone written article. Its framing is neutral and service-oriented, encouraging viewers to watch the bulletin for a broad summary of current events.

A new Greenpeace study finds that public transport has become more expensive in many European capitals since 2023, although prices have fallen in several cities. The research examined the 27 EU member states, the UK, Switzerland and Norway, assessing monthly and annual ticket prices, the geographical and modal coverage of long-term passes, discounts for vulnerable groups and VAT rates. London has the most expensive monthly public transport, at €162, followed by Amsterdam at €107 and Paris at €77. Nicosia recorded the largest increase in long-term ticket prices since 2023, rising by 67%. Amsterdam followed with a 55% increase, while Madrid and Bratislava saw rises of 50% and 32%. Prices also increased substantially in Berlin, Vienna, Copenhagen, Bucharest, Vilnius, Brussels and London. Greenpeace says high VAT is one reason public transport remains expensive in the EU, with tickets taxed at an average rate of 11%. Seven countries have raised VAT on public transport since 2023. However, prices declined in Dublin, Oslo, Bern and Budapest, with Dublin recording the largest fall at 42.5%. Prices remained unchanged in 12 other capitals. The study also found that only eight of 30 European countries offer free public transport or affordable universal long-term tickets. Luxembourg, Malta and Slovenia perform best for national ticket affordability and availability, while Finland, Greece and Norway rank worst. Spain and Slovenia have introduced nationwide ticket schemes since 2023. Tallinn, Luxembourg City and Valletta jointly rank highest overall for the availability, affordability and inclusivity of long-term public transport passes. Prague, Rome, Athens, Sofia and Vienna complete the top eight. Greenpeace is calling for governments to introduce affordable “climate tickets” to support public transport use, reduce road and air transport emissions and lessen dependence on fossil fuels.

The Federal Reserve’s renewed monetary tightening cycle is expected to affect financial markets well beyond the United States. After raising interest rates for the first time since July 2023 and signaling that another hike could follow, the Fed is seeking to contain inflation fueled in part by sharply higher oil prices. Analysts say the policy shift could strengthen the U.S. dollar, pressure other currencies and limit the ability of foreign central banks to reduce rates. A stronger dollar is particularly significant because oil, natural gas and many agricultural commodities are priced in dollars, increasing the local-currency cost of imports. Japan is one market under pressure, as a weaker yen could encourage the Bank of Japan to raise rates further. Asian currencies and bond markets may also face near-term stress. Higher U.S. Treasury yields could attract capital away from other countries, forcing their central banks to respond, although domestic inflation conditions vary widely. China and Thailand face deflationary pressure, while inflation remains above target in Australia and Japan. Global markets could also experience weaker equity valuations and slower economic growth as higher bond yields make fixed-income investments more attractive, increase corporate borrowing costs and reduce the present value of future earnings. The effect may be especially pronounced for interest-rate-sensitive technology stocks if the Fed remains hawkish into 2027. However, analysts emphasize that the speed and orderliness of the rise in yields may matter more than the absolute level. A disorderly increase could create greater problems for equities. The outlook is not entirely negative. The resilient U.S. economy that has enabled the Fed to tighten policy could continue supporting global trade, export demand and corporate activity, particularly in Asia. The overall impact will therefore depend on the interaction between higher U.S. rates, exchange rates, inflation, domestic economic conditions and the strength of global growth.

Japanese corporate leaders are increasingly warning that the yen’s weakness has become excessive, even though many of their companies benefit financially from a weaker currency. Yoshinori Kanehana, chairman of Kawasaki Heavy Industries, said exchange-rate fluctuations make it difficult for the company to develop long-term strategies. He said a yen-dollar rate of 150 could prompt Kawasaki to consider moving some manufacturing from the United States back to Japan. Kawasaki currently operates 27 production sites overseas, including in the U.S., and 17 in Japan. Takayuki Ueda, president and CEO of Inpex, argued that a rate of 100 yen to the dollar would be more appropriate for the Japanese economy. His position is notable because almost 90% of Inpex’s business is conducted outside Japan in U.S. dollars, meaning a weaker yen increases the value of its overseas earnings when converted into yen. Inpex said yen depreciation to 158.37 per dollar helped offset declining revenue during the first half of the year, when crude oil sales volumes fell. Takeshi Hashimoto, chairman of shipping company Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, also emphasized the importance of stability rather than simply calling for a particular exchange rate. He said he would be comfortable with the yen at 150-155 but warned that excessive weakness could create confusion in financial markets. Japanese companies surveyed by the Bank of Japan had assumed an average exchange rate of 152.51 for the second half of the year. The yen recently strengthened following a rally in Japanese equities and expectations of more fiscally responsible policies after Prime Minister Takaichi’s election victory. However, it remained historically weak at around 156.3 per dollar, compared with a 10-year average of approximately 123. Investors expected the Bank of Japan to raise its policy rate by 25 basis points to 1.25%, with analysts anticipating a more hawkish outlook.

Chelsea Football Club announced that Clearlake Capital is acquiring the minority stakes held by Los Angeles Dodgers owner Mark Walter and Chelsea Chairman Todd Boehly. Clearlake, which has owned 61.5% of the club since 2022, will thereby obtain full control. Walter and Boehly each held approximately 12.8% of Chelsea. According to the Financial Times, the two sellers will receive a combined £950 million, or about $1.27 billion, in a transaction valuing the club at roughly £5 billion. Boehly will step down as chairman, while Swiss billionaire Hansjörg Wyss will remain an important stakeholder and partner in the ownership group. Clearlake co-founders Behdad Eghbali and José Feliciano thanked Boehly for his contribution and said the firm intends to continue investing in Chelsea’s infrastructure, sporting performance, player development and long-term success. Chelsea said the change in ownership would not affect the club’s day-to-day operations, leadership or strategy. Boehly also expressed appreciation to the Premier League, Chelsea’s coaches, players, staff and supporters, and described the club’s future as bright. The transaction follows Walter’s recently announced agreement to sell his controlling ownership stake in the Los Angeles Lakers to Joshua Kushner and Bob Iger. That deal drew renewed attention to federal criminal and Securities and Exchange Commission investigations into whether approximately $21 billion in investments by two insurers controlled by Walter—Delaware Life Insurance and Clear Spring Life and Annuity—were properly disclosed as affiliated or related-party transactions. Walter’s holding company, TWG Global, has denied fraud and said it is cooperating with the U.S. Department of Justice and the SEC. The article presents the Chelsea sale, its financial terms, the resulting leadership change and the surrounding scrutiny of Walter’s business interests.

Oil prices continued to decline Thursday as concerns about disruptions to Saudi Arabia’s crude exports eased. Brent crude, the international benchmark, fell slightly to $105.81 per barrel, while U.S. crude declined 0.22% to $102.14. The market reaction followed reports that Saudi Arabia is making additional crude cargoes available to Asian refiners through ship-to-ship transfers near Sohar, Oman. These alternative shipments could partly offset supply losses caused by attacks on the kingdom’s East-West pipeline, which transports crude toward the Red Sea. U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright described the pipeline outage as a “brief and temporary interruption” expected to last only days, further reducing fears of a prolonged supply disruption. Earlier in the week, crude loadings at Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea export terminal in Yanbu had been halted, and Riyadh canceled some shipments to European customers. Yanbu had become Saudi Arabia’s primary oil-export route after Iran began blockading the Strait of Hormuz following U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran in late February. Analysts said Saudi efforts to develop alternative export routes have reassured markets that at least some lost supply may return. However, the outlook remains highly dependent on the broader conflict in the Middle East. Peter Massabni of XS.com warned that renewed escalation could cause deeper disruptions to regional oil and gas production and exports. Such an outcome would keep inflation risks elevated and place additional upward pressure on bond yields. Persistently high crude, gasoline, and diesel prices could also increase pessimism about the Federal Reserve’s future monetary-policy decisions. Overall, the article presents a temporarily calmer oil market while emphasizing that geopolitical risks remain significant.

Russia’s first State Duma election since its full-scale invasion of Ukraine is expected to preserve the dominance of President Vladimir Putin’s United Russia party, but analysts say turnout and the size of its victory could reveal growing public dissatisfaction. United Russia currently controls 310 of the Duma’s 450 seats and needs at least 300 to retain its supermajority, which allows the Kremlin to pass constitutional changes without support from other parties. The parliament elected from September 18 to 20 will serve until 2031 and could therefore play an important role during the 2030 presidential election or any major political transition. The election is taking place as Russia’s economy faces mounting pressure from the war. Economist Sergei Guriev said growth has stalled, taxes have increased, and the government is running a substantial budget deficit. Although Russia has benefited from a temporary surge in oil prices linked to U.S.-Iranian tensions around the Strait of Hormuz, analysts argue that the windfall will not resolve longer-term fiscal problems or cover the high salaries offered to military recruits. United Russia’s approval ratings have fallen to a four-year low amid fuel shortages and Ukrainian drone attacks, while the only registered party openly opposed to the war, Yabloko, was barred from participating by Russia’s top court. Reports that officials may be preparing another mobilization after the election have further increased concern, despite Kremlin denials. The article also highlights signs of anxiety within Russia’s economic establishment, including the reported dismissal of VEB economist Andrei Klepach after he warned that Russia could not win a prolonged war of attrition. Analysts say the future of the war remains decisive: if Putin believes Russian forces are advancing in Donetsk, he may delay negotiations; if the front line stabilizes, he could become more willing to pursue serious peace talks.

Nearly 1,400 people died and more than 5,000 remained missing after a mountain slope collapsed in Nepal, triggering flash floods that swept through valleys in Nepal and Tibet. Although the disaster was initially attributed to an earthquake, researchers concluded that it resulted from a complex chain of processes unfolding over years and decades, with climate change intensifying the underlying instability. The event began with a massive rock avalanche on the north face of Langtang Lirung. A section of glacier collapsed simultaneously, sending approximately 110 million cubic meters of rock and ice down the mountain. The avalanche fell about 1,400 meters, gathering additional debris, water, ice and sediment. Its impact released energy comparable to a magnitude-5.2 earthquake and tore up buried glacier ice, adding as much as 30 million cubic meters of material to the flood. The resulting flow reached the Nepal-China border in about seven minutes and traveled 200 kilometers downstream in less than seven hours. Scientists from World Weather Attribution identified several climate-related factors that weakened the slope. Rising temperatures accelerated glacier retreat, removing ice that supported the rock wall. Permafrost thawed at elevations between 4,500 and 5,500 meters, destabilizing the mountain. Exceptionally high temperatures in July and August, along with unusually heavy snow in October 2025, increased meltwater. Researchers also believe that the 2015 magnitude-7.8 earthquake weakened the rock mass. The disaster was extremely difficult to anticipate because Nepal’s warning systems are designed primarily for rainfall-driven floods, not rapidly developing cascading events. The flood destroyed monitoring gauges and reached the border just seven minutes after the collapse, while the first mass warning was sent 38 minutes later. Researchers describe the event as exceeding the limits of local adaptation and warn that continued fossil-fuel emissions will increase the likelihood of similarly destructive disasters.

Sweden’s center-left opposition bloc was projected to win the country’s parliamentary election by the narrowest of margins, according to public broadcaster SVT, with 99% of votes counted. At the time of the report, the bloc led the right-wing governing coalition by 26,169 votes, while fewer than 1% of ballots remained outstanding. Sweden’s election authority was still counting late-arriving votes, including ballots cast by voters abroad, with the process expected to continue until Thursday. The center-left bloc is led by Magdalena Andersson and her Social Democrats, the party that dominated Swedish politics for much of the 20th century. If confirmed, the result would end the tenure of Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson’s right-wing coalition and potentially return Andersson’s bloc to government. Election-authority data projected 175 parliamentary seats for the center-left and 174 for Kristersson’s bloc. Although both Andersson and Kristersson have indicated that they are open to exploring coalition arrangements, forming a government could be difficult. The center-left alliance includes parties with significant ideological differences, particularly the liberal Center Party and the socialist Left Party. These divisions could lead to prolonged negotiations before a governing coalition is established. SVT said the probability of the right-wing bloc overtaking the opposition was very low, though the official result had not yet been finalized. Sweden’s parliament cannot vote on a new prime minister before September 29. The article notes that government formation took 37 days after the 2022 election and 134 days after the 2018 election, highlighting the possibility of another uncertain coalition-building process.

Russian airstrikes on Kyiv and Odesa injured at least 13 people early Thursday, according to Ukrainian officials, as the war approaches its fifth winter. Kyiv authorities reported that at least 10 people were wounded in the capital, where apartment buildings and warehouses were damaged. Debris also fell near a petrol station, and witnesses reported hearing powerful explosions. Kyiv officials issued an air-raid warning and urged residents to seek shelter. In Odesa, a Russian strike hit a 19-story apartment building, injuring at least three people, including a child. The attacks reflect the continued escalation of long-range warfare, with both Russia and Ukraine increasingly using missiles and drones to strike targets inside each other’s territory. The strikes occurred amid tentative diplomatic signals from both sides that Russia and Ukraine may resume negotiations with US mediation. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s office said officials were preparing for talks in October, while Moscow said it had not ruled out participating. However, earlier rounds of trilateral negotiations held in Abu Dhabi and Geneva in January and February 2026 failed to produce a breakthrough, largely because the two sides remained divided over control of territory in eastern Ukraine. The article presents the latest attacks as evidence that military hostilities continue despite possible preparations for renewed diplomacy. It reports damage to civilian residential and commercial infrastructure in both cities and highlights the human cost of the ongoing conflict, particularly the injury of a child in Odesa. The strikes also demonstrate the persistent vulnerability of Ukrainian cities to aerial attacks as winter approaches.

Britain experienced its second-best butterfly season in 16 years during the summer of 2026, according to Butterfly Conservation’s Big Butterfly Count. More than 100,000 volunteers recorded nearly 1.4 million butterflies and day-flying moths. Painted ladies were the biggest contributor, with numbers rising 335% from 2025 and reaching their second-highest level since the count began in 2010. The holly blue and gatekeeper also reached record highs, while the small copper posted its third-best result. Overall, the season matched the strength of 2019, the best year in the dataset. The exceptionally hot, dry summer, which included five heatwaves, created ideal conditions for adult butterflies to fly, feed and mate. Favourable winds also helped migratory painted ladies travel from sub-Saharan Africa through Europe and reproduce successfully in Britain. However, scientists warn that the apparent boom may conceal risks for future populations. Drought caused grasses, wildflowers and other caterpillar food plants to wither, potentially reducing the resources needed by butterfly larvae. Richard Fox of Butterfly Conservation said a good season for adult butterflies does not necessarily mean a healthy year for the wider population. Previous population crashes followed the drought years of 1976 and 1995, although similar collapses did not occur after the hot summers of 2018 and 2022. Independent naturalist Matthew Oates believes the wet winter of 2025 and rainfall in early June may have protected food plants from the worst effects of the later drought. The season produced clear winners and losers. Drought-sensitive species such as the speckled wood, green-veined white and ringlet were recorded at numbers 44%, 54% and 39% below their 2011 levels, respectively. Experts say Britain is entering uncertain territory as climate extremes increasingly affect native wildlife, with more research and entomologists needed to understand the consequences.

Nepal has sharply revised upward the number of people missing after the Aug. 26 floods, raising the figure from 5,179 to 6,150 following fresh verification by district authorities. The updated figures came as rescuers recovered 10 bodies from tunnels at two hydropower projects in Rasuwa: five at Chilime and five at Upper Trishuli-1, three weeks after the disaster. Nepal’s national toll now stands at 1,403 dead and 6,150 missing. Tibet has reported 43 deaths and 519 missing, bringing the combined toll across the affected areas to 1,446 dead and at least 6,669 missing. At least 189 Indians are among those unaccounted for. At the Chilime project, specialised Indian Army personnel and Nepali rescuers reached the underground powerhouse after excavators and wheel loaders could no longer advance, forcing teams to dig the final stretch by hand. Six workers were believed to have been trapped inside. Five bodies were recovered, while the search continued for the remaining worker. Hopes of survivors had briefly risen after engineer Shriram Neupane reported hearing what appeared to be voices or echoes deeper inside the tunnel. Rastriya Swatantra Party lawmaker and engineer Sagar Dhakal said he had worked alongside the rescue teams and done everything possible to assist the operation. At the Upper Trishuli-1 project, a joint Nepal Army and hydropower-project team recovered five bodies from the Audit-3 tunnel during continuing search-and-rescue operations. The revised missing-person count underscores the continuing scale of the flood disaster and the challenges facing rescue teams in damaged hydropower infrastructure.

Wisconsin farmer Brit Thompson has diversified her farm business by converting a vintage Airstream trailer at Pink River Ranch into an Airbnb. The rental, which attracts mostly professionals from the Chicago area seeking rural weekend getaways, now generates more income than her beef and lamb sales. Thompson says cleaning the trailer can earn her about $100 an hour, considerably more than the effective return from selling livestock through restaurants or farmers’ markets. Her experience reflects the broader growth of agritourism in the United States, a sector valued at approximately $4.5 billion by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Thompson’s property offers guests access to Highland cattle, Icelandic sheep, trout streams, hiking trails, dark skies, fishing, and lessons about sustainable grazing. Her farmstay allows her to earn money while showcasing the agricultural and environmental aspects of the ranch. The trend is gaining momentum as traditional farm economics deteriorate. U.S. farm income reportedly fell 23% from 2022, while corn and soybean prices declined and the costs of seeds, fertilizer, labor, and borrowing remained high. Potential tariffs have added to uncertainty. Farmers across the country are responding by opening cabins, campsites, pumpkin patches, corn mazes, and farmstays to supplement agricultural income and preserve their land. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated demand for socially distanced rural travel, and farmstay listings on short-term rental platforms have risen sharply since then. Farmers interviewed in the article say tourism makes their businesses more resilient during years of weak margins. Experts also argue that younger farmers increasingly view agritourism as an entrepreneurial opportunity rather than accepting traditional farming’s financial pressures as inevitable.

Israel and Morocco have agreed to open embassies in each other’s countries following a meeting in New York between their foreign ministers and the United States ambassador to the United Nations. The agreement represents a further step in formalizing relations established in 2020 through the US-brokered Abraham Accords, which normalized Israel’s ties with Morocco and several other Arab states. According to an Israeli Foreign Ministry statement, the countries reaffirmed their commitment to upgrading diplomatic relations, elevating their existing diplomatic missions to embassy status, and appointing ambassadors. A joint statement issued by the US mission to the UN described full diplomatic, peaceful, and friendly relations between Morocco and Israel as being in the interests of both countries and said they would contribute to peace. The statements did not specify when the embassies would open. The announcement also echoes a similar declaration made in June 2022, when then-Israeli Foreign Minister Yair Lapid visited Morocco, suggesting that implementation has previously been delayed or incomplete. The two governments additionally announced plans to conclude a series of economic agreements by the end of 2026. Israel said that high-level reciprocal visits would take place in the coming months. The developments indicate an effort to deepen bilateral diplomatic and economic cooperation, though the lack of a timeline leaves uncertainty about when the embassy upgrades and ambassadorial appointments will be completed.

The US House of Representatives voted by unanimous consent on Wednesday to hold billionaire investor Leon Black in contempt of Congress for failing to comply with two subpoenas issued as part of its investigation into the federal government’s handling of the Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell criminal cases. The resolution followed a unanimous recommendation from the House Oversight Committee and will be referred to the Justice Department, which will determine whether to pursue criminal charges. Black, co-founder of Apollo Global Management, failed to appear for a September 3 deposition and did not fully comply with a separate subpoena seeking nondisclosure agreements. He had voluntarily appeared before the committee in June, where he acknowledged paying Epstein $158 million for tax and estate-planning advice. That interview ended early after Black declined to answer questions about certain nondisclosure agreements, prompting lawmakers to seek additional testimony and documents. Oversight Committee Chairman Jamie Comer said the House’s action demonstrated that no one was above the law and vowed to continue pursuing transparency and justice for Epstein’s survivors. Black’s lawyers called the contempt action “outrageous,” accused lawmakers of rushing the process and said they would continue challenging the subpoenas in court. Black has repeatedly denied wrongdoing and said he was unaware of Epstein’s criminal activities. Epstein died in federal custody in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex-trafficking charges involving minors; authorities ruled his death a suicide. The scandal has continued to affect Washington as lawmakers seek information from prominent political and business figures who had relationships with Epstein.

King Charles III has made the unusual decision to respond publicly to criticism from Charles Spencer, the brother of his late first wife, Princess Diana. The criticism concerns the king’s conduct in the period immediately following Diana’s death in 1997. Diana, who was 36, died in a Paris car crash while travelling with her companion, Dodi Fayed. Their vehicle was being pursued by paparazzi photographers on motorcycles. According to reporting by the Daily Mail, which is scheduled to begin serialising Spencer’s forthcoming memoir, Spencer alleges that the then Prince Charles told him after Diana’s death: “Rest assured, we’ll forget her soon enough.” The allegation is presented as part of Spencer’s account of the royal family’s response to Diana’s death and its aftermath. In a rare statement, a spokesman for King Charles addressed the claims on Wednesday. The spokesman said that grief can affect a person’s reason, judgment and memory, apparently challenging the reliability or interpretation of recollections surrounding the events. The article does not provide a detailed rebuttal of the alleged words or further explanation from the palace. The dispute revives scrutiny of the relationship between Charles and Diana and of the royal family’s handling of her death, which generated intense public attention worldwide. Spencer’s memoir is soon to be published, and the Daily Mail’s planned serialisation is expected to bring further attention to his allegations. The report, published by Reuters, frames the response as an unusual intervention by the monarch into a personal and historically sensitive controversy.

The US House of Representatives has held billionaire investor Leon Black in contempt of Congress for refusing to comply with two subpoenas issued as part of lawmakers’ investigation into convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The resolution passed by unanimous consent on Wednesday, meaning it was adopted without a recorded vote, one day after the House Oversight Committee unanimously recommended the action. The case will now be referred to the US Justice Department, which will determine whether to pursue criminal charges against Black. The congressional action represents an escalation in the House investigation and places the next decision in the hands of federal prosecutors. The article does not specify the exact information sought in the subpoenas or the reasons Black gave for not complying. House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer defended the decision, saying that no person is exempt from legal accountability and accusing Black of defying both subpoenas. Comer said the House acted quickly in responding to the alleged noncompliance. The article’s headline and subheadline also note that Black’s lawyers described the contempt action as “outrageous.” However, the brief report does not provide their detailed arguments or explain whether they intend to challenge the House’s resolution. The development is part of broader congressional scrutiny related to Epstein, whose sex crimes and connections to prominent individuals have continued to generate public and political attention. A contempt referral does not itself establish criminal liability; the Justice Department must decide whether further legal action is warranted.

Fiji has declared a national HIV emergency after a sharp increase in infections, with the government warning that the country is experiencing an epidemic requiring a coordinated, outbreak-level response. Health and Medical Services Minister Dr Ratu Atonio Lalabalavu said an estimated one in 60 adults in Fiji is now living with HIV, compared with one in 167 five years earlier. Fiji recorded 2,060 new diagnoses in 2025, and the government estimates that one in 50 pregnant women has HIV. According to UNAIDS, new HIV infections in Fiji increased twelvefold between 2010 and 2025, making it one of the fastest-growing HIV epidemics worldwide. The crisis is associated with Fiji’s role as a drug-trafficking hub and growing local methamphetamine use. Unsafe injecting practices and limited access to clean needles have contributed to transmission. Sexual transmission accounts for more than half of cases with a known transmission route, while more than 42% are linked to injecting drug use. UNAIDS estimates that approximately 9,100 people were living with HIV in Fiji in 2025. However, only 39% knew their status and just 22% were receiving antiretroviral treatment. Health awareness gaps, cultural stigma, and inadequate testing and treatment have further intensified the crisis. The emergency declaration followed a cabinet decision on 9 September. UNAIDS executive director Winnie Byanyima welcomed Fiji’s recognition of the urgency and said the situation demonstrated that AIDS remains a global threat. Fiji plans to introduce a needle and syringe programme, subject to legislative amendments expected to go before parliament, while also expanding prevention, testing, and treatment access.

Scientists in Zambia have documented the longest recorded journey by a mammal in Africa after tracking three related African wild dog brothers for more than 2,500 miles (4,100km) over eight months. The endangered dogs left their family pack as they reached adulthood, a process known as dispersal, and travelled from Kafue national park in western Zambia toward the Luangwa valley in the east, ultimately covering 340 miles (546km) between their starting and ending points. Their overall journey exceeded the previous record of 2,418 miles, also set by African wild dogs in 2012 between Tanzania and Kenya. The Zambian Carnivore Programme used GPS collars to monitor 19 groups of dispersing wild dogs. The study, published in the journal Ecology, also followed a group of sisters related to the three brothers. Two of the sisters probably died after being caught in snares. Before separating permanently, the brothers and sisters encountered one another in Zambia’s copper-belt mining region and spent a day together. Researchers say the journey demonstrates that wildlife can still move between large protected areas, even across landscapes heavily shaped by human activity. However, the dogs faced major risks, including roads, hunters, bushmeat snares, habitat loss, declining prey and conflict with people. Only about 6,600 adult African wild dogs remain in 39 populations, and the species is classified as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. Conservationists argue that the findings support investment in connected landscapes rather than relying only on fenced reserves. Maintaining corridors across national parks, community lands and international borders is essential for wild dogs and other wide-ranging species, including African elephants. The study offers evidence that ecological connectivity still exists, while warning that those routes are increasingly dangerous and need stronger protection.

Snap Inc chief executive Evan Spiegel has told the BBC that Snapchat would be willing to introduce default time limits for teenage users, although he did not provide a timetable. His comments follow Meta’s agreement with US states to pay $12.7bn and introduce a two-hour daily limit for teenagers on Instagram and Facebook by default, alongside muted notifications during school hours, nighttime blocks and other protections. Meta has also said it would impose stricter limits and pay an additional $5.3bn if YouTube and TikTok adopt similar measures. The settlement followed allegations that Meta deliberately designed its platforms to be addictive to young people, although the company denied wrongdoing. Spiegel described teen time limits as a potentially important industry standard and said Snap was considering the terms of Meta’s agreement. He also pointed to Snapchat’s Family Center, which gives parents information about how their teenagers use the service. Snapchat, Meta, YouTube and TikTok are all facing litigation alleging that their platforms have contributed to a youth mental-health crisis. Snap has additionally been accused of facilitating illegal drug sales. The interview coincided with Snap’s announcement of new features for Specs, its next-generation augmented-reality smart glasses. The glasses will use artificial intelligence to suggest activities and next steps based on users’ goals, relationships and routines. They will also overlay digital elements on the real world, support video streaming and offer live translation in 60 languages. Specs are intended to bridge the gap between bulky virtual-reality headsets and lighter AI glasses, but will cost $2,195 in the US and £1,995 in the UK, targeting early adopters, developers and businesses. Snap says Specs do not use facial recognition and include a flashing white recording indicator. This feature is significant amid privacy concerns surrounding Meta’s smart glasses, which have been used to film people without their knowledge. Meta says it has remotely disabled cameras on thousands of tampered devices.

A Sepehran Airlines Boeing 737 flight in Iran experienced severe shaking shortly after takeoff Tuesday, causing parts of the cabin interior to break loose and fall onto passengers. The aircraft was traveling from Mashhad to Kermanshah when the cabin reportedly descended into chaos. Video footage showed passengers screaming, praying and using their hands to shield themselves from falling ceiling panels and debris from damaged overhead compartments. According to Jam Press, citing NeedToKnow, the aircraft may have suffered engine damage and a tire blowout during takeoff. The pilot declared an emergency and turned the plane back toward Mashhad Hashemi Nejad International Airport. Despite the apparent interior damage and the panic inside the cabin, the aircraft landed safely. No injuries were reported among the 127 passengers and crew members aboard. The incident temporarily closed one of the airport’s two runways, and authorities reportedly began an investigation. Passengers were placed on another flight to continue their journey. Images and video from inside the plane showed dangling ceiling panels, damaged overhead bins and travelers holding onto seats and compartments during the emergency. The article also places the incident in the wider context of Iran’s aviation difficulties. Decades of international sanctions have limited the country’s access to newer Western-built aircraft, authentic spare parts and modern aviation upgrades. As a result, Iranian airlines have had to operate aging aircraft and conduct complex maintenance on their fleets. The specific cause of the malfunction remained under investigation at the time of publication.