China is inaugurating its first modern river-to-sea canal, the 134km Pinglu Canal, which connects the Xijiang River to the Beibu Gulf, aiming to reduce shipping distances to Southeast Asia by approximately 560km (350 miles) and lower logistics costs by 18 to 30 percent. The canal, a part of the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor and the Belt and Road Initiative, is expected to save over 5 billion yuan (about $700 million) annually in transport costs and facilitate the passage of 5,000-tonne capacity ships. With the region’s trade with Southeast Asia hitting about 4.34 trillion yuan ($640 billion) in the first half of 2026, Guangxi plans to develop the "Pinglu Canal Economic Belt" to attract industry and enhance connectivity between production sites and maritime trade routes.
Anthropic has secured a deal to lease the site for its first Australian datacentre in western Queensland, valued at $31.9 billion, which will be the largest of its kind in Australia. The project, located near Dalby, will span approximately 725.5 hectares and is planned to be constructed in four stages, with the first stage expected to open next year. Queensland’s Premier David Crisafulli highlighted that the investment will create more jobs and enhance the state’s energy grid, while also emphasizing the use of the state’s coal power sources for the centre.
A Saudi-led military coalition has accused Yemen's Houthi rebels of attempting to target the holy city of Mecca, claiming that a hostile drone was intercepted before it could enter the airspace of the city. The Houthis have denied these accusations, labeling them as false and a "worn-out lie," while the Organization of Islamic Cooperation condemned any violation of holy sites. The ongoing conflict has resulted in 13 injuries from Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia on Monday night, bringing the total number of injured to approximately 100 since July.
A television news helicopter, NewsChopper4, crashed in Chatsworth, Los Angeles, while covering a traffic collision, resulting in the deaths of at least three people, including one person on the ground, and leaving a fourth hospitalized. The helicopter hit a car park, damaging four vehicles and two storage containers, while over 50 firefighters responded to extinguish the resulting fire, which did not spread to any buildings. The circumstances of the crash are under investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board and the Federal Aviation Administration.
The Victorian government has announced it will grant police and protective services officers the power to randomly search individuals for knives using handheld metal detectors, following a commitment to adopt Queensland’s Jack’s Law. Under this policy, 1,200 additional metal-detecting wands will be deployed, allowing searches "anywhere, anytime" in public places, despite experts highlighting the lack of evidence that such measures effectively reduce violent crime. Critics, including criminologists, argue that the new powers may lead to harassment of marginalized groups without addressing the root causes of crime, pointing to a Griffith University study that found no reduction in violence from similar searches conducted in Queensland.
New research reveals that the Bank of England and the British financial system were deeply intertwined with the enslavement and trafficking of millions of Africans, with 24 of its directors being significant investors in the slave trade. This includes four founding directors from 1694 and additional financiers throughout the following century, with the wealth from the slave trade forming part of the Bank's capital, supported by financial services provided to entities like the Royal African Company. Additionally, the Bank and the Treasury were involved in a £20 million compensation payout to slave owners, equivalent to £23 billion today, with no compensation awarded to the enslaved individuals themselves.
The newly digitized Register of British Slave Traders reveals that 45 Church of England clergy financed the Royal African Company, which trafficked enslaved Africans on hundreds of voyages, contributing significantly to the transatlantic slave trade. In 2023, the C of E launched Project Spire, a £100 million impact investment fund aimed at addressing communities affected by slavery's legacies, although it has faced criticism for not being a true reparations fund. Scholars emphasize the church's complicity in shaping modern Britain, noting that profits from slavery fueled various national advancements and that grappling with this history is crucial to the church's foundation of faith and justice.
Rotherham has the fewest job opportunities for young people in the UK, with only 46 online vacancies for every 1,000 young people, compared to 288 in the Cotswold district. The report by the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) reveals a sixfold gap in youth job opportunities, highlighting that nine of the 10 best areas for youth employment are in southern England, as the number of 16- to 24-year-olds not in employment, education, or training (Neet) surpasses 1 million. The IPPR calls for a significant overhaul of the apprenticeship system and the creation of a "work start" program to address these disparities and promote youth employment.
In 2025, defenders of nature and land were murdered at a rate of one every three days, with 124 reported killings, 85% of which occurred in Latin America, notably with Colombia leading at 39 deaths. The increase in organized crime, particularly related to narco-trafficking and environmental crimes, has necessitated the formation of self-defence units in many communities, such as the Kakataibo Indigenous Guard in Peru, which has grown to over 150 volunteers since 2022. Despite a slight overall decline in deaths over the past two years, the estimate remains high, with 2,375 deaths and disappearances recorded since 2012, while threats to defenders have increased due to diminished support from the international community and rising levels of organized crime.
A multi-storey residential building in western Gaza City collapsed, trapping six families beneath the rubble, with rescue crews and residents working tirelessly to reach them. Verified footage showed children being pulled from the wreckage, with cries for help heard from below, although the number of casualties is still unknown. The building had been previously damaged by an Israeli bombing, contributing to its structural instability, and many Palestinians continue to live in hazardous conditions as construction material shortages hinder recovery efforts.
A news helicopter crashed in the Chatsworth neighborhood of Los Angeles on September 15, 2026, killing at least three people and injuring one other person. The crash occurred near the scene of a separate incident involving an SUV colliding with a city bus, which resulted in two deaths and six injuries. Fire officials reported that over 50 firefighters responded to the helicopter crash, which also damaged four cars and two storage containers on the ground, while investigations are being conducted by the National Transportation Safety Board and the Federal Aviation Administration.
A study by UK mathematician Prof Alain Goriely reveals that the widely held belief that the Parthenon's curves were designed to correct optical illusions is a myth, asserting that these supposed illusions are either nonsensical or nearly imperceptible. Goriely found no evidence supporting the idea of sagging in the base, which rises 6cm at the center, or the effectiveness of the Hering illusion attributed to the columns, which bulge by only 18mm and wouldn't create a noticeable visual effect. Despite the historical allure of Vitruvius's 1st-century claims, Goriely suggests that the architectural features may have practical purposes, such as preventing rain puddles or enhancing aesthetic appeal, rather than optical corrections.
Heathrow airport expansion should only proceed if airlines are mandated to pay for CO2 removal, according to the Climate Change Committee (CCC), which warns such expansion would breach UK carbon budgets and hinder net zero goals by 2050. The CCC's report suggests that costs for sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) and carbon removal could add approximately £150 to flights to Alicante and £400 to flights to New York by 2050, impacting the ability of passengers to fly frequently. Additionally, frequent flyers, making up only 5% of the population, accounted for one-third of all flights, with those in the highest income group taking four times as many flights as the lowest income group, raising concerns about aviation’s growing emissions footprint.
The Belgian government's failure to agree on an evacuation plan has left 13 students in Gaza devastated, as they are unable to leave to take up scholarships at Belgian universities. Among them, Ahmed Abujami was awarded a master's scholarship at the Institute of Tropical Medicine in Antwerp, and he along with others are stuck in Gaza, unable to apply for visas due to travel restrictions. Academic institutions have expressed outrage over the decision, highlighting that these students were selected through a competitive process and should not be viewed as illegal migrants.
The UK is bracing for an increase in potholes on roads due to the hottest summer on record, which has caused road surfaces to become brittle and prone to cracking; only 50% of the road network in England and Wales was already in good condition following the previous winter. Motorists have reported that 83% encounter potholes on most trips, with a recent RAC report indicating that 51% consider the poor state of roads their biggest driving anxiety. In response, the government has raised council highway budgets to a record £1.6 billion for 2025-26 and allocated £7.3 billion for road improvements through the end of the decade, necessitating local authorities to implement long-term solutions to address the issues.
A helicopter crash in Los Angeles has resulted in at least three fatalities, with one additional person hospitalized, according to the Los Angeles Fire Department. The incident occurred in a parking lot, destroying the helicopter and damaging four vehicles and two storage containers, with over 50 firefighters responding to the scene. Earlier that day, a separate SUV crash into a city bus claimed the lives of two individuals and left six others injured.
The Trump administration is preparing to sell Israel a $2.8 billion package of 40,000 bombs, including 20,000 MK-84 general-purpose bombs and 20,000 thermally coated BLU-117s, which mark the largest such sale in recent years. The MK-84 bombs, known for their destructive capability, have been used hundreds of times by Israel in Gaza and Lebanon, often criticized for causing civilian casualties, with one bomb having a destruction radius of half a mile. Amid political tensions regarding military support for Israel, some US lawmakers are voicing opposition to the sale, citing concerns over human rights and the potential misuse of American taxpayer-funded weapons.
Chinese Defence Minister Dong Jun emphasized the need for countries to refrain from provocative actions, particularly towards Japan, during his speech at the 13th Beijing Xiangshan Forum. He called for a more inclusive approach to resolving international tensions while warning against hegemony, militarism, and historical revisionism, stating that the forum serves as China's primary platform for military diplomacy with hundreds of military officers, diplomats, and scholars in attendance. The forum occurs amid heightened regional tensions over Taiwan and the South China Sea, coinciding with an upcoming meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and US President Donald Trump.
Jeremy Greenwood testified to the New South Wales Independent Commission Against Corruption (Icac) regarding payments totaling $660,999 to Anita Perrottet for her alleged advice on vaping and the greyhound industry, which he called a "mum’s perspective." The inquiry is investigating $2 million in payments made between 2020 and 2023 from fugitive developer Jean Nassif for political outcomes, with Greenwood and others denying that these were political donations. Dwyer questioned Greenwood on contradictions in his evidence and pointed out that Anita Perrottet's children were under five when she provided advice, suggesting his testimony lacked credibility.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver discussed potential expansion, the ongoing investigation into the Los Angeles Clippers which may result in penalties, and the status of the Portland Trail Blazers' arena in recent comments. The upcoming 2026-27 season is anticipated to showcase top talents like Nikola Jokić and Victor Wembanyama, who lead the preseason top 150 players for fantasy points leagues. Additionally, the league's full schedule for 2026-27 has been released, showcasing marquee games and significant matchups, including those involving LeBron James and other star players.
A court ruling has blocked the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) from taking action against David Streever, who faced federal scrutiny after sending a harsh email to former ICE acting director Todd Lyons, where he compared Lyons to a Nazi and referred to him as a "monstrous human being." Streever's lawsuit, supported by the nonprofit group the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE), argued that his First Amendment rights were violated when ICE agents pursued him after the email, leading the court to issue a preliminary injunction to prevent further threats regarding his speech. The ruling noted that Streever’s freedom to express political opinions must be protected, affirming his right to speak out against government officials without facing intimidation.
Starting next year, climbers attempting to scale Mount Fuji during the off-season and requiring helicopter rescue will be charged for the service, as part of new measures by Yamanashi prefecture to discourage unsafe climbing practices. The fee will reference a pre-existing charge of 8,000 yen ($51) per five minutes in Saitama prefecture, and climbers will also need to submit detailed climbing plans for off-season attempts. Approximately 200,000 hikers climb Mount Fuji during the official season from July to early September, while off-season climbs are highly discouraged due to severe weather and lack of facilities.
The Black Wreath, a volunteer-run heavy metal venue in Alice Springs with a population of 34,000, successfully raised $1 million through a crowdfunding campaign to secure its future after facing potential closure. The funds came from various donations ranging from $20 to $10,000, and the venue's founder, known as Pirate, plans to use the money to negotiate with the current owners who have an asking price of $1.23 million. The Black Wreath aims to provide a space for musicians in central Australia and has set a new fundraising target of $1,111,111 to further support its mission.
In the past year, at least five pupils at the Al Mughayyir boys' school in the West Bank have been killed by settlers and soldiers, including a 14-year-old shot near a playground in April. The village is heavily impacted by violence and military blockades, creating challenges for teachers and students alike, with many unable to reach the school. Senior correspondent Emma Graham-Harrison notes that hundreds of children have been killed by Israeli forces over the last three years, and the expectation is for continued or escalating violence in the future.
Saudi Arabia intercepted a Houthi drone south of Mecca on Tuesday, preventing it from entering prohibited airspace over the holy city, marking the second attempt by the Houthis to target Mecca since a ballistic missile launch in July 2017. Coalition spokesperson Turki al-Malki emphasized that the security of Islam’s two holiest sites is a "red line" and vowed to take necessary deterrent measures against the Houthi group, while the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation condemned the attack as "heinous." Following these developments, Saudi Arabia issued security alerts and the US embassy advised against travel to the kingdom due to risks associated with ongoing Houthi aggression and potential Iranian drone and missile threats.
Human remains were found in Arizona near Crystal Rapids after deadly flash floods in the Grand Canyon, which resulted in two deaths and one missing person. The floods occurred after intense rainfall in late August, leading to the recovery of bodies belonging to a Texas chiropractor and a martial artist, while 53-year-old Timothy Smith, a pilot from Wyoming, remains unaccounted for. The National Park Service has not identified the remains found, and the search for Smith continues as his family asks for prayers and support.
Over a year after signing a peace agreement, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Rwanda resumed negotiations in Geneva as violence continues in eastern Congo, particularly related to the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR) and the M23 militant group, which captured Goma in January 2025. The DRC government claims it is making progress on the FDLR's demobilization under the Washington framework, while Rwanda's President Paul Kagame describes the agreement as "insufficient," reflecting deeper disputes over security and sovereignty. The complex relationship between the ongoing M23 conflict and the tensions with Rwanda complicates the peace process, with Rwanda demanding a guarantee against threats from armed groups, while Kinshasa insists on the withdrawal of foreign forces.
A drone attack launched from Iraq targeted Saudi Arabia's East-West oil pipeline, threatening about 4 percent of global oil supplies and pushing Brent crude prices above $108 a barrel. Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi is facing pressure to bring armed groups under state control as he seeks to respond effectively to the incident, which has been attributed to factions operating outside the state's chain of command, though no group has claimed responsibility. This event comes amid strained relations between Iraq and Saudi Arabia, as previous attacks have impacted Iraqi military and civilian ties with Riyadh, complicating al-Zaidi's efforts to strengthen economic cooperation with Saudi Arabia.
Federal authorities revealed that Russian intelligence services are planning targeted killings in the U.S. and Europe against individuals aligned with Ukraine, leading to charges against five people still at large. A network of these intelligence services reportedly attempted to pay individuals for surveillance and murder, including a U.S. resident who was offered $40,000 to eliminate a Russian dissident but ultimately declined. The indictment highlights that this network, active since at least 2024, had previously focused on Russian dissidents but has recently targeted nations seen as allies of Ukraine, showcasing ongoing threats to civilian and military infrastructure in Europe.
The Trump administration plans to deliver 2,000lb bombs to Israel as part of a $2.8 billion arms deal that includes 40,000 bombs, split equally between MK-84s and BLU-117s. Concerns about mass casualties in Gaza led the Biden administration to pause the delivery of these bombs two years prior, but the deal is now set to proceed, with Congress having been informally notified. In the ongoing conflict, over 73,264 Palestinians have been reported killed, following the Hamas-led attacks on southern Israel that left around 1,200 dead and 251 hostages taken.