California Governor Gavin Newsom announced he will not run for president in 2028 if former Vice President Kamala Harris enters the race, stating that competing against her would be a waste of time for voters. Newsom, who is term-limited this year, has been positioning himself as a leading contender for the presidency, emphasizing the importance of timing and readiness for such a bid. Despite contemplating a run in 2024, he concluded he wasn't ready, while Harris, who lost to Trump in 2024, remains a prominent figure and undecided about her own candidacy.
The US Supreme Court has denied President Donald Trump's effort to implement new restrictions on mail-in voting ahead of the November midterm elections, upholding a federal judge's order that blocks the US Postal Service from enforcing the changes. Approximately 30% of voters utilized postal ballots in the previous general election, with Trump's executive order aimed at limiting mail-in voting citing concerns over electoral fraud, although states and election officials argued that the order infringed on their rights. The decision comes after legal challenges from 23 states and Washington DC, as well as a ruling from Judge Indira Talwani, who found that Trump's measures could disenfranchise voters if implemented too close to the election.
Thousands of olive ridley turtles arrived at La Escobilla beach in Oaxaca, Mexico, to lay their eggs within a 48-hour period during "la arribada," a natural nesting phenomenon. This marks the sixth wave of the nesting season, which began in March, with hundreds of thousands of turtles swimming ashore in southern Mexico.
The Supreme Court rejected Donald Trump's mail ballot restrictions just before the midterm elections, allowing states to continue their established processes for sending out mail ballots. This ruling affirms that nearly one-third of the country votes by mail, and civil rights groups hailed it as a victory for voter participation, emphasizing the importance of access to the ballot box. The case originated from an executive order issued by Trump requiring the post office to limit mail-in ballot delivery based on eligibility criteria, which was challenged by 23 states and the District of Columbia.
Syria announced a deal with Moscow in August, following 18 months of negotiations, to convert Russian military bases at Tartous port and Hmeimim air base into "joint training and capacity-building centres," with Syria taking control of civilian operations. A Russian convoy of four vessels delivered supplies to Tartous on September 7, marking the first resupply since the agreement. The partnership aims to sustain Russia's military foothold in the region amid changes in Syrian leadership and ongoing diplomatic efforts to stabilize relations.
The Kansas City Chiefs led the Denver Broncos 31-10 during a game where Kenneth Walker III scored two touchdowns. In local news, Jackson County officials confirmed a measles case and identified locations of possible exposure. Additionally, a car linked to a man missing since 2016 was found in a pond in Leawood, Kansas, with remains located inside.
The US Supreme Court has denied President Donald Trump's request to restrict mail-in voting ahead of the November midterm elections, with conservative Justice Brett Kavanaugh stating that there is insufficient time for officials to implement the proposed changes. Trump's plan would have mandated a uniform envelope style and required states to provide mail ballot recipient lists to the Postal Service, which critics argued could result in millions of ballots not being sent. Nearly one-third of voters rely on mail-in ballots, and Democratic officials have challenged Trump’s changes, arguing he lacks constitutional authority to alter election rules.
Officials from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Rwanda are set to meet in Geneva on September 16-17, 2026, to discuss the implementation of the 2025 Washington Accords amid ongoing fighting in eastern DRC. Key commitments to be evaluated include the DRC's obligation to neutralize the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR) and Rwanda’s disengagement of its forces, which remain unresolved as clashes continue between the Congolese Armed Forces and the M23 armed group in North and South Kivu. The meeting follows the August JSCM gathering where both countries agreed to enhance monitoring and coordination for peace efforts in the region, which has been destabilized by armed groups for decades.
Mitch McConnell returned to the Senate after a months-long absence due to health issues, including a fall that left him hospitalized and a mild case of pneumonia. The 84-year-old senator, who has been away since mid-June, cast his first vote on Monday to confirm a federal judge and expressed his intent to support the latest farm bill while dealing with the lingering effects of childhood polio. McConnell, who will retire at the end of his term in January, acknowledged his ongoing recovery and his commitment to assist with important votes as he resumes his duties in the Senate.
Sweden’s centre-left opposition bloc has a narrow lead with 176 seats projected in the Riksdag as approximately 95 percent of the votes have been counted, while the conservative-led government parties hold 173 seats. The far-right Sweden Democrats experienced a decline in support, dropping from 20.5 percent to 17.5 percent, marking their first loss since entering parliament in 2010, while the Social Democrats maintained a first-place position with 28.1 percent, their lowest in over a century. As vote counting continues and results remain uncertain, Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson’s government could stay in power if the left fails to form a viable coalition despite their majority.
The 2026 Emmy Awards saw "The Pitt" and "Hacks" leading the awards tally, with "The Pitt" winning the award for Lead Actor in a Drama Series for Noah Wyle and the Supporting Actress in a Drama Series for Fiona Dourif. Zendaya won Lead Actress in a Drama Series for "Euphoria," while Matthew Rhys received the award for Lead Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie for "The Beast in Me." The Best Limited or Anthology Series award went to "All Her Fault," with other notable winners including Jean Smart for Lead Actress in a Comedy Series for "Hacks" and Stephen Root for Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series for "Widow's Bay."
Mariska Hargitay hosted the Emmy Awards on September 14, 2026, with the ceremony aired on NBC and Peacock and featuring several notable nominees, including last year's best drama winner, The Pitt, against titles like Pluribus, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, and The Diplomat. In the comedy categories, the winners included Katie Dippold for Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series for Widow's Bay and Matthew Rhys for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series for the same show, while Rhea Seehorn won Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series for Pluribus. Additional wins included Tom Pelphrey for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series for Task and Jean Smart for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series for Hacks.
The Supreme Court has rejected President Trump's attempts to impose new mail-in voting restrictions for the upcoming midterm elections, allowing the U.S. Postal Service to continue its regular ballot delivery. Voting by mail has already commenced in states like Alabama, North Carolina, and Wisconsin, with additional states following suit, such as Hawaii, Oregon, and Washington. Trump aimed to alter USPS rules citing concerns over illegal voting by non-citizens, despite a lack of evidence for mail-voting fraud and the fact that in the 2024 elections, 37% of Democratic voters and 24% of Republican voters cast ballots by mail.
Umar Kremlev, a Russian businessman with ties to the Kremlin, funded parts of Donald Trump Jr. and Bettina's wedding celebrations, reportedly spending hundreds of thousands of dollars for two party nights in the Bahamas. Kremlev rented a private island for about $100,000 per night and paid for a fireworks display costing around $70,000, which the couple described as an "extraordinarily generous wedding gift." The couple emphasized that their wedding was a personal event, unrelated to politics, and that friendship and generosity do not necessarily come with an agenda.
Key indicators of democracy in the US have fallen to their lowest levels in 50 years, with the Trump administration's actions significantly undermining the rule of law globally. The International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance's 2025 report noted that 2025 marked the 11th consecutive year with more countries experiencing democratic declines than improvements, and it identified 71 countries (41% of those assessed) as low-performing in rule of law. The Uppsala Conflict Data Program indicated that 2025 had the most violent conflicts recorded since 1946, highlighting a connection between declining democratic quality and increasing conflict.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott has mandated that datacenters must disclose their water use in compliance with state laws, with penalties for non-compliance. Currently, Texas has 335 datacenters, and this number could grow to at least 583 by 2030, leading to an estimated water consumption increase from 25 billion gallons in 2025 to 161 billion gallons annually, representing about 2.7% of the state's total water usage. The enforcement will include an audit of datacenters’ water consumption and those failing to comply will be denied connection to the state’s power grid.
Bettina Trump confirmed that their May wedding was partially funded by Umar Kremlev, a Russian oligarch tied to Vladimir Putin, with costs amounting to "hundreds of thousands of dollars" including a $70,000 fireworks display. The celebration took place on a private island in the Bahamas, with two nights of festivities costing around $100,000 per night, raising concerns about potential conflicts of interest due to the lavish gifts from a foreign national. Ethics watchdogs highlighted that either Donald Trump Jr. or his father could have covered the expenses to avoid ethical scrutiny, as Trump Jr. is reportedly worth $300 million.
DHS officers raised concerns over potentially illegal searches of state voter databases and the reliability of the data they were instructed to use to investigate suspected non-citizen voters, according to an anonymous whistleblower. The investigation has reportedly turned up only a handful of noncitizen voting cases despite the significant effort, and there are fears that accessing state voter information could violate laws, leading to "thousands or tens of thousands" of records being created against California residents in the DHS database. The whistleblower emphasized the lack of transparency regarding the data's origins and accuracy, noting discrepancies in voter registration information provided by DHS.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are undergoing a security review by the royal and VIP executive committee (Ravec) following their return to the UK as full-time residents. This review includes a new risk assessment for both Harry and Meghan and requires them to provide details about their daily routines, including school drop-offs, to assess their security needs. Last year, Harry lost a legal challenge to regain automatic tax-funded security, which was withdrawn when they stepped down as working royals.
Senator Mitch McConnell returned to the Senate on September 14, 2026, after more than 90 days of medical absence due to a fall and illness, during which he was hospitalized in June. He expressed that his recovery was frustrating and that he is not yet at 100%, but he is committed to participating in key Senate votes while continuing physical therapy. McConnell's latest absence fueled speculation about his health, following previous incidents including a 2023 episode where he froze and was unable to speak for nearly 30 seconds.
Scientists have discovered that Earth may contain a vast reservoir of water located up to 1,800 miles beneath the surface, potentially reshaping our understanding of geological processes. This water, believed to be trapped in minerals, could provide insights into the planet's water cycle and its formation. The findings suggest that there may be a significant amount of water, previously thought to be scarce at such depths, influencing both volcanic activity and the movements of tectonic plates.
A federal whistleblower alleges that agents from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) may have violated state laws while conducting a voter fraud investigation, specifically through the Unlawful Voter Initiative. The initiative reportedly required agents to falsely represent themselves to access individual voter records, and whistleblower guidance from DHS indicated that thousands of such state law violations may have occurred as agents were pushed to review at least five subjects per hour. Concerns raised by U.S. Senators Alex Padilla and Chuck Schumer highlight the possibility that relying on unreliable data could disenfranchise eligible voters ahead of the November elections.
The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the scrapping of pollution limits from coal and gas power plants, claiming it would save $310 billion and lower energy prices, while environmental groups warn of negative impacts on health and the environment. The regulations, which were intended to reduce carbon emissions and prevent 4,500 premature deaths annually, were deemed as exceeding the agency's authority by the EPA, which stated that control technologies required were impractical, effectively forcing plants to shut down. With the power sector contributing approximately 1.5 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide-equivalent emissions yearly, the announcement could significantly affect US emissions, although the precise outcomes remain uncertain amid ongoing legal challenges.
The rapid development of artificial intelligence is raising significant concerns among industry executives and staff, highlighted by Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei's call for a slowdown and increased monitoring of AI development. In Washington DC, public opinion reflects alarm over the pace at which this technology is advancing. The article suggests a growing demand for regulations to address the potential risks that AI poses to humanity.
A group of landowners, ranchers, businesses, and a non-profit have filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration to halt the construction of a border wall in Texas's Big Bend region, asserting that officials were unprepared for local pushback. The lawsuit, initiated by Conserve Big Bend and six landowners, challenges the characterization of the Big Bend area as a site of high illegal entry, citing that it spans about 805 km (500 miles) yet accounts for only 1 percent of arrests along the entire 3,219 km (2,000-mile) border. The Trump administration is engaging in a $46 billion effort to build various border structures, which has prompted significant legal and bipartisan resistance due to environmental and cultural concerns.
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is repealing emission limits for coal and gas power plants, which is expected to eliminate over $300 billion in costs for power plants and allow utilities more flexibility in decision-making. This change follows a series of environmental rollbacks since President Trump took office in 2025, including the revocation of a 2009 scientific finding that linked greenhouse gases to public health threats. Environmental groups are expected to challenge these rollbacks in court, arguing they will lead to increased health risks and environmental degradation for Americans.
Bob Mackie, the renowned fashion designer known as the "Sultan of Sequins," has passed away at the age of 87, leaving behind a legacy that includes one Tony Award, nine Emmys, and three Oscar nominations. His iconic creations graced numerous stars, most famously Cher's "revenge" outfit at the 1986 Oscars, which featured a plumed mohawk headdress and a bare midriff, revolutionizing fashion at the time. Mackie continued to design until recently, with notable contributions including outfits for Sabrina Carpenter and Miley Cyrus, showcasing his enduring influence in the fashion industry.
The United States has barred Iran's nuclear chief, Mohammad Eslami, from attending the annual General Conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in Vienna, following the UN Security Council's refusal to lift "snapback" sanctions. Eslami's visa, which was initially approved, was revoked by Austria under pressure from the US, preventing his entry and participation as a member state. The sanctions include travel bans and various restrictions on Iran's nuclear and missile activities, and Iran's ambassador to the IAEA labeled the visa denial as a violation of Iran's rights and a politically motivated act.
Israeli officials have condemned the documentary "Naza," which alleges that civilian deaths were intentionally included in targeting decisions during the military's operations in Gaza, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu calling it a "shocking" film that contributes to global anti-Semitic sentiments. The film, directed by Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor, won the Special Jury Prize at the Venice Film Festival and received a 25-minute standing ovation; it includes interviews with military and intelligence members revealing that civilian casualties were factored into military decisions. Furthermore, Gaza health authorities report that over 73,700 Palestinians have been killed due to the conflict, predominantly civilians, prompting Israeli military leaders to consider legal actions against the filmmakers and investigate the sources of the documentary.
Video assistant referee (VAR) Matt Donohue, who allowed Erling Haaland's winning goal in Manchester City's 1-0 victory over Manchester United, along with assistant VAR Blake Antrobus, has not been selected for any upcoming Premier League fixtures after the refereeing body acknowledged a mistake in the decision. The error occurred when Haaland's goal was initially ruled offside but was later confirmed as valid despite the offside position of teammate Enzo Fernandez. Following the defeat, Manchester United sits 13th in the league and will face Brighton in the League Cup, while Manchester City, level on points with Arsenal, will play Norwich City in the cup before hosting Sunderland in the league.