The 2025 PISA study indicates a significant decline in student performance globally, with reading scores dropping by 28 points in OECD countries and 16 points in others, while math scores decreased by 22 points on average in OECD nations. Approximately 29% of 15-year-olds in OECD countries are now classified as "low performers," struggling with basic skills across reading, math, and science. Notably, reading scores have fallen by an average of 25 points in the OECD, equivalent to a year of learning, with the most drastic declines observed in Iceland and Slovenia, who experienced reductions exceeding 50 points.
The UK has committed £100 million to enhance Ukraine's air defenses over the winter, including the supply of Patriot missiles, as existing stocks have dwindled amidst ongoing Russian attacks. This military equipment package is part of NATO's prioritized requirements for Ukraine and also includes defence interceptors, large-calibre artillery rounds, and drones. UK Defence Secretary Wes Streeting emphasized the importance of support for Ukraine during winter, stating that both he and Prime Minister Andy Burnham are committed to mobilizing allies and reinforcing Ukraine's defenses against further Russian aggression.
The Eiffel Tower reopened after staff walked out in protest against the removal of female employees during a visit by a Hindu religious delegation, who requested the arrangement to minimize interactions with women. The operating company, SETE, faced criticism and acknowledged that such conditions should not have been accepted, while staff condemned the segregation based on sex, stating that some were asked to leave their posts and were replaced by men. Paris Mayor Emmanuel Gregoire announced that an investigation would be launched and emphasized that women should not be rendered invisible in public life in France.
A school in the occupied West Bank's village of al-Mughayyir has been surrounded by barbed wire due to increasing fears of violence from Israeli settlers, leading to concerns for children's safety. This year, six people, including three students, have been killed in the area amidst a rise in settler-related violence, with a notable incident being the shooting of 14-year-old Aws al-Naasan outside the school in April. All Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank are deemed illegal under international law, and many nearby outposts are also illegal under Israeli law.
Coco Gauff and Elena Rybakina advanced to the US Open quarterfinals, while Zheng Qinwen upset six-time Grand Slam champion Iga Swiatek in a dramatic comeback. Top seed Alexander Zverev defeated Luciano Darderi 6-2, 6-2, 7-6(3) and is looking for his second Grand Slam title after winning the French Open. Zheng is the first qualifier to reach the quarterfinals since Emma Raducanu in 2021, having staged remarkable comebacks in her matches, while Andreeva also progressed after a three-set battle against Potapova.
Elversberg, a small town in Germany with a population of around 7,000, has made an impressive start in their debut Bundesliga season, winning their first two matches against Bayer Leverkusen and Borussia Mönchengladbach with scores of 3-2 and a comeback victory capped by a last-minute goal, respectively. The club's promotion to the Bundesliga followed a difficult journey, including almost missing out on promotion due to key player departures, but they managed to secure their second-place finish on the last matchday thanks to superior goal difference. Under the guidance of head coach Vincent Wagner and support from their leadership duo, Frank and Dominik Holzer, Elversberg is now one of only four teams to win their opening matches in the league, showcasing their resilience and determination.
For female footballers, balancing a professional career with motherhood has historically been challenging, with only about 2% of players getting pregnant during their careers. Recent changes, including binding maternity regulations introduced in 2021 and strengthened in 2024, have led clubs like Racing Louisville and Chelsea to offer to fund egg freezing for players, while the Spanish football federation is expected to adopt a similar policy soon. However, there are ethical concerns regarding the potential pressure on athletes not to become pregnant during their playing careers, despite an increase in interest for fertility preservation options among female athletes.
The article discusses the challenges female footballers face in balancing motherhood with their careers, particularly given that only about 2% of footballers historically became pregnant during their playing years. In response to growing demands for support, binding maternity regulations were introduced in 2021 and strengthened in 2024, with clubs like Racing Louisville and Chelsea now offering to fund egg freezing for players, while the Spanish football federation is expected to announce a similar policy soon. However, egg freezing is a complex process with no guaranteed outcomes, raising ethical concerns about whether such options might pressure players to postpone motherhood in favor of their careers.
The Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) apologized after the Eiffel Tower was closed due to staff strikes protesting the exclusion of female workers during a visit by a group of about 100 men from the organization. BAPS stated that their visit was coordinated with the tower's team to minimize disruption and claimed no one was denied access. The operator of the tower, SETE, acknowledged that allowing limited interactions with women during the visit was a mistake.
A Cologne court sentenced a 36-year-old woman and her 62-year-old mother to four-and-a-half years in prison for plotting to kill the woman's husband, amidst a custody battle over their son. The pair had attempted to hire a restaurant owner as a hitman, agreeing on a €5,000 fee, and the court found sufficient evidence, including recorded conversations expressing the desire to kill him. The case highlighted the complexities of familial relationships and violent disputes, emphasizing the mother's direct involvement in the planning.
Germany's gas storage association INES reported that the country's gas reserves are at historically low levels, currently at 53% of capacity, the lowest for this time of year in the past 15 years. They warned that while levels could rise to 77% by November with increased input, this capacity may not suffice in the event of extremely cold weather. The decline in profit margins due to the wars in Russia and Iran has reduced the economic incentive for traders to store natural gas, prompting calls for government intervention to lower storage fees.
India's recently reported GDP growth of 7.8% for the latest quarter, exceeding forecasts of 7%, has sparked controversy, with critics claiming the figures are manipulated, suggesting the real growth may be only 2.6%. The International Monetary Fund recently rated India's national accounts data a 'C', indicating significant methodological issues and outdated data reliance, which has contributed to a trust deficit in the government's statistical system. Over the past decade, critics argue that the government has undermined the integrity of its data infrastructure, leading to suppression of inconvenient findings and raising questions about the transparency of various economic indicators.
The Australian government is proposing digital duty of care legislation to allow social media users to opt out of algorithm-driven content, potentially transforming feeds into more user-controlled experiences similar to those in the early 2010s. Although the plan aims to combat issues stemming from algorithmic content, such as exposure to extreme and harmful material, tech companies may find ways to make opting out difficult, as demonstrated by Meta's compliance issues in Europe, where it was ordered to simplify the process. This initiative follows significant user backlash against intrusive algorithms, highlighted by a 2021 study showing that Apple's ad tracking opt-out feature cost Meta $10 billion in one quarter, and a safety feature for teens that only had a 1.8% take-up rate.
Australia is set to implement legislation requiring social media companies to allow users to easily opt in or out of algorithmically recommended content. Many Australians expressed positive feelings about this development, emphasizing the importance of user choice in the digital landscape. The proposed regulations aim to enhance user control over their social media experience.
Florida State University (FSU) has launched a new School of Design as part of its program expansion. The city budget is set to raise some fees while preparing for upcoming property tax cuts. Meanwhile, the Powerball jackpot has grown to $190 million after no one won in the latest drawing.
The far-right Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) party achieved a historic high of nearly 44% of the vote in the Saxony-Anhalt elections, causing widespread dismay among residents, particularly those with immigrant backgrounds. Many, like 17-year-old Maryam, fear that the new government will enact policies that threaten their residency and lead to deportations, reflecting on the impact of the party's anti-immigrant stance. The election results have left older residents, such as Judith, heartbroken, as they remember their own experiences as refugees and worry about the future humanitarian implications of the AfD's popularity.
Canada has retaliated against the U.S. by imposing tariffs on approximately $20 billion worth of American goods, which constitutes about 6% of the total $333.6 billion U.S. exports to Canada last year. This response follows recently imposed U.S. tariffs that affected hundreds of Canadian products, including major items like steel, aluminum, and cheese, at rates ranging from 15% to 50%. In addition to tariffs, Canada has restricted sales of U.S. alcohol, leading to a more than 70% decrease in U.S. spirits exports to Canada year over year.
King Charles III has confirmed that Prince Harry and Meghan remain non-working members of the royal family and will continue to refrain from using their royal titles since stepping back from official duties in 2020. A letter sent by the Lord Chamberlain to senior government officials clarified that any charitable work they undertake will be in a private capacity while security decisions will be handled by the relevant police agencies. Concerns have arisen among palace observers that the couple's status could lead to them becoming a competing royal court, particularly regarding the sensitive issue of their security and the restoration of publicly funded police protection, decided by the Royal and VIP Executive Committee (RAVEC).
US President Donald Trump threatened to block Canadian aircraft maker Bombardier from selling planes in the US unless they manufacture them domestically, as Canada's retaliatory tariffs on $20 billion worth of US imports took effect. Bombardier stated that it supports tens of thousands of US jobs and spends over $2.5 billion annually with US suppliers, asserting that its aircraft incorporate American-made components. Canada's tariffs, which reach up to 50%, target various US products including steel, aluminum, and dairy goods, following Trump's imposition of similar tariffs on Canadian products.
The far-right Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) achieved a historic victory in state elections in Saxony-Anhalt, marking a significant breakthrough for far-right politics in Germany, a moment commented on as “very grave” for Europe by French minister Benjamin Haddad. This victory is notable as it represents the first time a far-right party is on the brink of regional power in Germany since the Nazi era, highlighting a failure of mainstream parties to contain their influence despite 13 years of efforts. As tensions escalated, protests occurred in the UK, with clashes between police and activists over migration policies, underscoring broader concerns about the rising far-right across Europe.
Russia and North Korea inaugurated a 1-kilometer (0.6 mile) long road bridge over the Tumen River on September 7, 2026, allowing up to 300 vehicles to pass daily between their border cities of Rason and Khasan. The bridge, named after Soviet officer Yakov Novichenko, symbolizes the strengthening ties between the two countries, with North Korea already supplying ammunition and troops to support Russia in the Ukraine war. Both nations anticipate that the bridge will enhance trade, tourism, and cultural exchange, building on existing transport links that include a railway bridge and air service.
Far-right Israeli ministers are advocating for the forced removal of Palestinians from Gaza, with National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir proposing a seven-year plan to facilitate the displacement of about two million residents. Since October 2023, the conflict has resulted in 73,658 deaths and 174,622 injuries, with 1,340 fatalities occurring after the October 2025 ceasefire, and families recently buried around 100 individuals, including 60 children, recovered from rubble. Additionally, humanitarian conditions are worsening, with the World Health Organization noting that water contamination in Gaza has nearly tripled, and all five wastewater treatment plants have ceased operations.
Shinjuku ward in Tokyo, home to 3,775 short-term rental accommodations, will ban private lodgings in residential areas and near cultural sites due to over 1,300 complaints from residents about tourist-related disruptions, such as improper rubbish disposal and noise. The ordinance could impact approximately 2,000 lodgings, nearly half of the total, and will reduce the rental days for accommodations in these areas from 180 to 120 per year. Japan welcomed a record 42 million tourists last year, driving concerns about "tourism pollution" as the government aims to increase visitor numbers to 60 million by 2030.
Liberal MP Andrew Hastie has threatened legal action against One Nation leader Pauline Hanson and strategist James Ashby over allegations that he is a traitor, which he attributes to his testimony against Victoria Cross recipient Ben Roberts-Smith in a defamation case related to war crimes. Hastie, a veteran who served two combat tours in Afghanistan, condemned the attacks on his character and integrity, labeling his critics as "cowards" and indicating that he would make it a "costly exercise" for them to pursue their claims. One Nation recently won a state byelection in the Secret Harbour seat, which overlaps with Hastie's federal electorate of Canning, suggesting a strong campaign from the party ahead of the next federal election in 2028.
UK retailers, in partnership with the Department for Work and Pensions, plan to create up to 100,000 short-term work placements for young people aged 18 to 24 who are not in employment, education, or training (Neet) over the next three years. The scheme, known as Opening Shift, has already secured 11,305 placements and aims to help participants gain skills and confidence, with a guaranteed interview at the end of their placements, which will run for two to four weeks. With the warning that the number of Neets could rise from 1 million to 1.25 million in the next five years, the initiative highlighted the urgency for more job opportunities to prevent a “lost generation.”
The White Australia party, designated as an illegal hate group in May, is challenging its ban by arguing that the anti-hate laws infringe on political communication rights and are overly authoritarian due to reliance on a politician's opinion. The party faces penalties of up to 15 years in prison for various activities, and its lawyers cite a 1951 high court ruling against banning the Communist party to argue that the commonwealth lacks the power to ban a political party. The party's leader, Tom Sewell, was previously sentenced to a community corrections order, which includes 200 hours of community work for behaving offensively in public.
Thousands gathered in Belgrade to pay respects to Ratko Mladic, the former head of the Bosnian Serb army convicted of genocide, with discussions arising about the Serbian state’s organization of his funeral with state honors. The article emphasizes the broader implications of international justice in preventing such atrocities, noting that neither Russian President Vladimir Putin nor former US President Donald Trump have learned from past international humanitarian laws despite ongoing conflicts, confirming a lack of accountability for mass murder. Mladic's legacy is expected to fade outside Serbia and Bosnia's Republika Srpska, as younger generations may not recognize his name, underscoring the cyclical nature of political manipulation leading to violence.
Alan Jones, a former radio host, faces 22 charges of indecent assault and sexual touching involving six men, all of which he has denied. During the trial, a witness testified to being a loyal friend, claiming he has never seen Jones act inappropriately and described him as "the greatest broadcaster ever." The witness also criticized a journalist for reporting allegations against Jones, labeling her as "sick" and describing the claims as a "witch hunt."
Canada's retaliatory tariffs on approximately C$28 billion ($20 billion) worth of US goods took effect on Tuesday, with rates reaching as high as 50%, although fresh fish and lobster were removed from the list following industry pushback. Prime Minister Mark Carney emphasized Canada's desire for a "durable" trade deal, while US trade representative Jamieson Greer indicated communication has stalled since talks collapsed in late August. The existing trade conflict adds to the already significant bilateral trading relationship valued at nearly $900 billion, with economists warning that these retaliatory measures will likely lead to increased consumer prices.
Australia will enable social media users over 16 years old to opt out of algorithm-driven content, with significant fines exceeding A$100 million for platforms that do not comply with this new legislation. The initiative, termed “my feed, my way,” is part of broader laws to enhance online safety, particularly for users under 18, including protection from harmful content related to misogyny and eating disorders. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese emphasized that the aim is to shift power from large tech companies to users, while international counterparts like France, Britain, and New Zealand are considering similar measures for child safety online.