El Niño, a natural climate phenomenon, may soon reach one of its strongest intensities, with NOAA reporting surface temperatures over 3 degrees Celsius above average in the central Pacific. A study by the Max Planck Institute indicates that recent strong El Niño events could be unusually intensified due to climate change, with coral analyses revealing that El Niño events have become significantly stronger compared to the pre-industrial period. Researchers reconstructed ocean temperatures over the past 1,000 years using coral growth patterns, suggesting a higher likelihood of extreme eastern Pacific El Niño events in the 2030s.
El Niño is a significant climate phenomenon that occurs every two to seven years, and the current conditions suggest it may develop into one of the strongest events since records began, with temperatures off the west coast of South America exceeding 3 degrees Celsius above average. Research led by Julia Cole at the University of Michigan analyzed fossilized and living corals around the Galapagos Islands, revealing that El Niño events have become markedly stronger compared to the pre-industrial period, with predictions indicating a higher likelihood of extreme events in the 2030s. While the coral study supports existing climate models, some scientists caution that further research is needed to fully understand these findings.
Twenty-five years after the September 11 attacks, the political landscape in Europe has been significantly influenced by the Global War on Terror, which allowed far-right parties to gain prominence through legitimized anti-Muslim sentiments. The attacks, which killed 2,977 people, facilitated a shift in far-right rhetoric, casting Muslims as internal threats and leading to broader Islamophobic narratives that have permeated political policies and media. More than 13 European countries joined the US in the invasion of Afghanistan, while 12 participated in the Iraq invasion, further embedding Islamophobia in government strategies and public perception during this period.
A Guatemalan court has dismissed terrorism charges against Deputy Minister Luis Pacheco and three Indigenous leaders, stating they did not violate any laws by organizing protests against a prosecutor accused of blocking President Bernardo Arevalo's inauguration. The decision reflects the unraveling of a prosecution initiated by former Attorney General Consuelo Porras, who faced widespread allegations of corruption and lost her bid for a third term in April 2026. Following the ruling, the UN human rights office underscored its importance for Indigenous rights and freedom of expression in Guatemala.
Swedes will vote in a crucial general election on Sunday, with polls indicating the centre-left bloc led by Social Democrats at 49.3 to 50.8 percent, while the governing coalition and Sweden Democrats range from 47.6 to 49 percent. Immigration remains a pivotal issue, with 53 percent of voters identifying it as the top concern, especially following the 2015 refugee crisis when 163,000 asylum seekers arrived in Sweden—the highest annual figure in the country's history. Since that crisis, Sweden has implemented stricter migration policies, including offering $36,000 to migrants with residency permits as an incentive to leave, reflecting a broader shift toward more restrictive positions across political parties.
Russia's Ministry of Defence announced strikes on several Ukrainian industrial facilities, including the Zaporizhstal steelmaker and the Interpipe Steel complex, as part of its campaign against Kyiv's manufacturing infrastructure. In these attacks, at least 15 people were killed in various regions of Ukraine, including two petrol stations in Kyiv, which were targeted in a new campaign focused on civilian areas, while 12 others were injured in the southwestern city of Odesa. Ukraine retaliated by launching drone strikes on Russian industrial sites, resulting in damage and casualties, including one person killed in the Kursk region and another fatality in the Belgorod region.
Lil Durk was acquitted of all charges in a federal murder-for-hire case after facing five felony counts, including murder for hire resulting in death and conspiracy, which could have led to a life sentence if convicted. The trial included two co-defendants, who were convicted of stalking and conspiracy to commit stalking, while the prosecution relied on three co-operating witnesses who testified against them. Despite his acquittal, Lil Durk remains in custody and is set to face a separate trial on October 5 for racketeering murder and firearms charges.
U.S. President Donald Trump's aggressive tariff policies, including a threatened additional 10 percent tariff on nations aligning with BRICS, may be inadvertently fostering economic cooperation among the bloc’s 11 diverse members, who collectively account for nearly half the world’s population and about 40 percent of global GDP. Despite Trump's actions, BRICS is not forming an anti-U.S. alliance, but countries are increasingly seeking to mitigate dependence on the U.S. financial system, which holds 57.1 percent of global foreign-exchange reserves as of Q1 2026, while the Chinese renminbi constitutes only 2 percent. Efforts to lessen reliance on the dollar include direct currency transactions between member nations, such as South Africa and China settling in renminbi, and Brazil and China using their own currencies for trade.
The BRICS summit in New Delhi, attended by leaders including Xi Jinping, Vladimir Putin, and Masoud Pezeshkian, marks the 20th anniversary of the bloc amidst internal rifts and geopolitical tensions, particularly concerning the Middle East and Ukraine. The summit addresses various pressing issues such as trade, finance, and technology, while also reflecting on the stark divisions among members like Iran and the UAE regarding US actions. The bloc's finance ministers have voiced concerns over tariffs that distort trade, with the US previously labeling BRICS as "anti-American" and threatening punitive measures against its members.
Weddings in Gaza, once vibrant and joyful celebrations, have transformed into somber events amidst ongoing conflict and uncertainty. Couples face immense challenges, such as displacement and rising costs, while individuals like 23-year-old Haneen struggle to maintain their engagements with partners living abroad due to war, relying heavily on unreliable phone connections. Despite these hardships, the enduring desire to love and build a future persists among young couples in Gaza, who grapple with the reality of planning their lives in such precarious circumstances.
Jeff Mayweather stated that Terence Crawford is a better puncher than his nephew, Floyd Mayweather. Bob Arum predicted that the fight between Ryan Garcia and Conor Benn would last only one round, claiming Benn would be knocked out. Conor Benn returned to a weight significantly above 147 after making the limit for the Garcia fight, which raised concerns among commentators.
Leaders of the BRICS nations are meeting in New Delhi to discuss trade, investment, and global conflicts, amid rising tensions from the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East, and U.S.-China frictions. The grouping, which now includes 11 members representing about half the world's population and a significant portion of global economic output, aims to enhance representation for developing countries and reduce reliance on the U.S. dollar in favor of national currencies for trade. The summit also serves as a platform for India to balance its strategic partnerships with Russia and Iran while improving ties with the U.S. and Europe, with significant discussions expected between Modi and Xi to address their nations' strained relationship.
Seasoned athletes Armand "Mondo" Duplantis and Jakob Ingebrigtsen excelled on the first day of the inaugural World Athletics Ultimate Championship in Budapest, each earning $150,000 for their respective wins in the men's pole vault (6.20 metres) and 5,000 metres (12:59.24). The competition featured top talent, including 26 Olympic champions, 26 world champions, and 25 Diamond League winners, with the U.S. team winning the 4×100-metre mixed relay in 39.64 seconds and claiming a prize of $80,000. Other highlights included Masai Russell winning the 100-metre hurdles in 12.22 seconds and Ja'Kobe Tharp taking the 110-metre hurdles in 12.94 seconds, edging out the world champion Cordell Tinch by just one-hundredth of a second.
North Korea launched several short-range ballistic missiles from its eastern Wonsan area, traveling approximately 250 kilometers into its eastern waters, a day after U.S., South Korea, and Japan concluded a five-day military exercise. The missiles included Hwasong-11 series ballistic missiles and 600-millimeter multiple rocket launches, marking North Korea's first missile test in nearly three weeks after a prior launch of over 10 short-range missiles during earlier U.S.-South Korea exercises. In response to the launches, South Korea's presidential national security council urged North Korea to cease violating United Nations Security Council resolutions, while the U.S. Pacific Command confirmed the launches posed no immediate threat to American territory or regional allies.
The article discusses various current events, particularly focusing on the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, where a recent Russian attack targeted Ukrainian border crossings. It mentions that a 76-year-old man was charged for wearing a burka at an anti-migrant demonstration, reflecting tensions around migration issues in the UK. Additionally, the article notes that Labour is threatening to cap party donations following a record £72 million gift to Nigel Farage's Reform UK party, highlighting ongoing political fundraising debates.
AI is significantly impacting job prospects for UK graduates in computer science and economics, with the proportion of computer science graduates finding jobs as coders or programmers dropping from about 40% to 28%. Additionally, the overall likelihood of computer science graduates securing any graduate-level role has fallen from over 60% to just 50%, suggesting a shift in the labor market influenced by AI's efficiencies. Meanwhile, economics graduates are also facing changing job dynamics, as employers now expect new hires to be familiar with AI, although the overall job landscape is still evolving with some roles remaining available.
Ben Shelton defeated Frances Tiafoe 4-6, 6-3, 6-3, 7-5 in the US Open semifinal, advancing to his first major final against Alexander Zverev, who won his match against Karen Khachanov 6-3, 7-6 (9/7), 7-6 (8/6). Shelton's victory made him the first American man to reach a major singles final since Andy Roddick in 2003, and the first Black American man to do so at the US Open since Arthur Ashe in 1972. The women's doubles final saw Katerina Siniakova and Taylor Townsend complete a career Grand Slam with a 5-7, 6-0, 6-2 win over Ashlyn Krueger and Robin Montgomery.
Russia's drone war has escalated, impacting Ukraine's neighbors Romania and Moldova, with around three dozen incidents, including airspace violations and crashes, reported since August. Notably, 17 drones crashed in Moldova in August alone, matching the total for all of 2025, and a recent drone strike at the border crossing between Ukraine and Moldova resulted in two fatalities. Both Moldovan officials and President Maia Sandu have condemned the attacks, emphasizing the reality of the threat posed by Russia, which is now directly affecting their countries.
London boroughs have seized at least 3,393 badly parked or abandoned ebikes this year, a 23% increase compared to all of 2025, with Lime responsible for over 2,000 of these seizures. The rise in ebike usage, accounting for one in 10 of the 1.5 million daily cycle journeys in the city, has led to significant concerns about safety and accessibility, particularly for vulnerable populations like the blind and elderly. Local councils are advocating for a centralized regulatory framework to address the issue, as discrepancies in policies among the 32 councils hinder effective management of dockless ebikes.
Yemen's Houthi rebels have captured the island of Mayun, which is strategically located at the entrance of the Red Sea, a critical shipping route through which about 12% of the world's goods pass. This move threatens maritime navigation for Saudi vessels, as the Houthis declared that "maritime navigation is safe for all companies except for Saudi vessels." In response to increasing attacks from the region, Saudi Arabia has shut down a key oil pipeline as a precautionary measure, with Saudi oil exports through the Red Sea port having more than doubled since U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran.
Ukraine is predicted to face its toughest winter since the full-scale Russian invasion in 2022, according to UN official Alexander De Croo, who emphasizes the risk of a humanitarian catastrophe if energy and water access are disrupted. Recent Russian drone strikes have targeted critical infrastructure, resulting in five deaths and 67 injuries from a shopping mall attack in Pavlohrad, as well as casualties in Zaporizhzhia and Sumy. With winter temperatures potentially dropping to -20°C, De Croo warns that damage to power supplies could lead to severe human suffering, and efforts are underway by the UN to rebuild and decentralize Ukraine's energy system to enhance resilience.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed willingness to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Miami if he attends the upcoming G20 summit, emphasizing the importance of achieving results over dialogue. He noted that Russia currently produces 140 ballistic missiles per month, and Ukraine aims to acquire 100-120 effective missiles to bolster its defenses during the winter months, while facing a significant shortage of Patriot missiles. Zelenskyy also highlighted Ukraine's strategic position for negotiations, with Russia reportedly losing over 30,000 soldiers monthly and a dramatic 76% decline in Ukraine's grain exports due to the ongoing blockade of its Black Sea ports.
Following the September 11 attacks, a new vocabulary emerged in the U.S. that reframed military actions and policies, labeling torture as "enhanced interrogation" and designating detainees at Guantanamo Bay as "enemy combatants." This era, defined by the phrase "war on terror," led to the U.S. illegally invading Afghanistan and Iraq while expanding surveillance and national security powers domestically, all without a clear enemy or endpoint, as terrorism is framed as a tactic rather than a state or organization. Experts suggest that the legacy of the war on terror continues to deeply influence U.S. politics, as seen in the language and justifications used to address security and military actions.
India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi is hosting the 18th annual BRICS Summit in New Delhi on September 12 and 13, with over a dozen world leaders in attendance, including Russia's President Vladimir Putin and China's President Xi Jinping. To ensure security for the event, approximately 30,000 additional personnel have been deployed, and traffic around hotels for dignitaries has been restricted. The BRICS group, consisting of 11 member countries that collectively account for about 49% of the global population and 40% of the world’s GDP, was formed to challenge Western economic and political dominance.
Saudi Arabia temporarily closed the East-West pipeline due to drones launched from Iraq, which caused human injuries and damage, with the Saudi foreign ministry condemning the attacks. Since the start of the Middle East war, Riyadh has increased its reliance on this pipeline to bypass the closure of the Strait of Hormuz by Iran, and oil prices have surged above $100 a barrel. The Iraqi government condemned the attacks and stated that it had dismissed the commander responsible for the region from which the drones originated, while regional allies criticized the assault as a significant threat to Saudi security.
Last Saturday in Dover, a new anti-migrant movement called the Patriot Platform staged a militaristic protest, with dozens of masked men in paramilitary outfits blockading the port while chanting anti-migrant slogans, demonstrating a significant shift in far-right tactics. The movement's leader, Daniel Thomas, who operates under the name Danny Tommo, has amassed over a million views on his YouTube channel, where followers can subscribe for £4.99 a month, and has presented the protests as being grounded in Christian values. Despite this display of organization, skepticism remains among politicians, including Nigel Farage, who condemned the use of balaclavas at political protests, while concerns grow from anti-fascist organizations about the movement's potential dangers if it targets boats carrying asylum seekers.
Sweden's upcoming election is extremely close, with opinion polls indicating a 0.3-point gap between the left and right blocs, potentially allowing the far-right Sweden Democrats (SD) to enter government for the first time. The current prime minister, Ulf Kristersson, has made a deal with the SD, granting them significant influence over policies, especially on crime and immigration, as reflected in their manifesto promises to cut immigration and revoke permanent resident permits. Legal experts warn that a government including the SD could further damage Sweden's reputation as a global champion of human rights, which has already deteriorated significantly under the current administration.
Rebecca Howard spent two years exploring rewilding projects across England, culminating in a month of painting nine large canvases that capture the unconventional beauty of these landscapes, including beaver-felled trees and wetlands. Her exhibition, which opens on September 12 at Knepp in West Sussex, showcases sites such as the pioneering Knepp estate and the largest urban rewilding project in Britain in Derby, all of which aim to increase biodiversity through innovative land management. Howard emphasizes the need for a positive perspective on the biodiversity and climate crisis, finding beauty in the transitional states of nature, like a half-dead tree that's crucial for habitat.
The death toll from the ferry fire in the Philippines has risen to 35, with authorities warning it could increase as 54 people remain unaccounted for. The fire began in the cargo hold on Wednesday evening and spread rapidly, leaving 30 passengers and 13 crew members rescued. The ferry was carrying a total of 134 passengers and crew, and the company that owns the vessel is cooperating with the ongoing investigation into the incident.
Harish, a 22-year-old from Yedapally, Telangana, lost approximately 1.8 million rupees (over $21,000) to online betting, leading to his family's financial ruin and ultimately their tragic suicides in October 2024. As India faces a surge in online gambling addiction, the sector generated about $3.7 billion in 2024, with gambling accounting for 86% of that revenue and an estimated 591 million gamers participating. Despite a law passed in 2025 to ban online gambling, illegal platforms received over 5.4 billion visits during the 2024-25 financial year, illustrating a significant challenge for regulators amid the expanding gambling crisis.