Emma Bonino, the radical Italian politician who led campaigns to legalize abortion and divorce against Vatican opposition, has died at the age of 78. Known for her advocacy for political and humanitarian causes, Bonino's political career spanned over five decades, during which she served as Italy's foreign minister and launched significant campaigns that resulted in the legalization of abortion in 1978. She is survived by her siblings and their children, leaving a legacy of fighting for human rights, world hunger, and individual freedoms.
The United Nations General Assembly voted 164 to 1 to encourage the adoption of new world maps that accurately represent the sizes of continents, specifically endorsing the Equal Earth projection over the traditional Mercator projection. The resolution follows advocacy from the African Union and aims to address the disproportionate representation of continents, such as depicting Africa significantly smaller than it is, while Greenland is shown as similar in size, although it could fit into Africa 14 times. Concerns have been raised by countries including Ukraine, India, and Japan regarding how disputed territories are represented in the new maps, but they stopped short of outright opposing the change.
The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) is leading in a new poll for Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania by three points, following a significant win over the CDU in the Saxony-Anhalt state election. German corporate insolvencies reached a 13-year high in the first half of 2026, with 12,812 applications recorded, marking a 6.7% increase from the previous year, while creditors’ claims totaled approximately €18.5 billion. Former Chancellor Angela Merkel emphasized the importance of actively defending democracy, cautioning that it cannot be taken for granted.
The article discusses a dubious $5,000 offer made by President Trump regarding a news quiz, emphasizing that NPR does not accept payment for coverage or interviews. It clarifies that any individual making such offers does not represent NPR or its employees. The piece includes various names and references, but specific numbers related to the quiz or other statistics are not mentioned.
On the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, the U.S. reflects on a day that led to the loss of at least 2,977 lives and resulted in over 7,000 additional U.S. service member deaths due to post-9/11 wars. Ceremonies across the nation include gatherings at the 9/11 Memorial in New York City with officials like Vice President Vance and former President Biden, as well as a special tribute baseball game between the Yankees and the Mets. A new exhibition at the National September 11 Memorial & Museum titled "In Their Honor: 25 Years of 9/11-Inspired Service" highlights the ongoing impact of the attacks and honors those who have served since.
Lucelly, an undocumented worker from Colombia, participated in the ground zero cleanup after the September 11 attacks, which involved around 2,000 to 6,000 undocumented workers among the thousands who were exposed to toxic debris and suffered health issues like cancer and respiratory disease, with over 57,000 documented cancer cases linked to the site. Many of these workers were hired under precarious conditions without proper safety information, and there has been a failed legislative effort since 2017 to provide these workers with a path to citizenship. As the Trump administration increasingly focused on immigration enforcement, many of these clean-up workers live in fear of deportation despite their contributions to the recovery efforts in the aftermath of the attacks.
Roughly 170,000 Salvadoran immigrants currently covered by Temporary Protected Status (TPS) can continue to legally reside and work in the U.S. after the Trump administration decided not to terminate TPS for them, amidst uncertainty regarding future extensions. Since TPS was granted to Salvadorans in 2001 due to devastating earthquakes, these individuals have contributed an estimated $5.4 billion to the U.S. economy annually and have given birth to around 150,000 American children. Advocacy groups are urging Congress to create a permanent residency pathway, with one proposed bill reportedly just one Republican vote away from reaching the House floor.
Michigan swing voters are expressing concern about the negative impact of President Trump's trade war with Canada on prices, with 11 out of 13 participants in focus groups indicating it would harm the state. Many voters anticipate higher tariffs leading to increased costs for everyday products, such as a 50% expected rise in the price of shampoo made in Canada. With the midterm elections approaching, these voters are particularly anxious about the affordability crisis, fearing that tariffs will worsen their financial situation.
Director Alex Gibney’s documentary titled *Musk* spans three hours and 45 minutes, including a 10-minute intermission, and explores Elon Musk's influence, from his early entrepreneurial days to becoming a key political figure during Donald Trump's administration. While the film provides little new information, it features interviews with characters significant to Musk’s life, painting him as both a business genius and a chaotic force. Gibney, who began the documentary in 2023, expanded its scope following Musk’s controversial rise during the 2024 presidential campaign, depicting him as a "shadow vice president" who significantly affected government operations.
The escalating U.S.-Canada trade war is creating challenges for the auto-parts industry, with the U.S. imposing new tariffs on aluminum and steel and threatening 50% tariffs on Canadian vehicles and parts starting January 1. In response, Canada has enacted retaliatory tariffs on various U.S. goods, adding further uncertainty for major U.S. carmakers and potentially devastating consequences for smaller suppliers, which could face increased costs and planning difficulties. The intertwined nature of the auto supply chain, established through decades of trade agreements, is at risk as the industry contends with ongoing chaos from previous supply chain disruptions and changing regulations.
At the Republican midterm convention in Dallas, President Trump emphasized the need for voter turnout despite facing record low approval ratings and rising discontent over issues like the war in Iran and gas prices. He made a controversial promise of a $5,000 dividend for adults if Republicans maintain control, while the party struggled with enthusiasm and witnessed significant empty seats at the venue, particularly in the upper levels. Amidst a fractured Republican base and increased Democratic enthusiasm following previous election wins, the convention focused on personal attacks against Democrats rather than detailed policy discussions.
The Trump administration plans to relax environmental regulations on over 700,000 low-producing "stripper wells," which generate only 6% of the nation's oil and gas but account for about half of methane emissions in the sector. The proposed rule from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is expected to save companies $42 billion by 2050 and would weaken leak inspection requirements, despite acknowledging that these wells produce just 0.4% of U.S. oil and gas output. Environmental advocates argue that loosening these regulations will significantly increase climate pollution without significantly boosting energy production, benefitting the oil industry at the expense of societal costs.
Five people have died and dozens are injured after a Dutch tourist coach crashed in the Swiss Alps, hitting a safety barrier and overturning; 40 people on board were transported to hospitals, with three seriously injured. The coach, which left for Switzerland from Austria, was involved in a rescue operation that included seven helicopters from Switzerland and Austria. Swiss President Guy Parmelin expressed his condolences, while Dutch authorities, including Prime Minister Rob Jetten, extended their thoughts to those affected by the tragedy.
The inaugural World Athletics Ultimate Championship is set to take place in Budapest from September 11-13, featuring 26 Olympic champions, 26 world champions, and top athletes of the year, with a total prize pot of $10 million. Winners of each event will receive a record $150,000, significantly more than previous competitions, with second and third places earning $75,000 and $40,000, respectively. The event will not award medals but will offer customized trophies instead, and it is facing criticism for excluding several events, including the shot put and women's hammer throw, in favor of faster-paced competitions.
The assisted dying bill is set for a vote in the Commons today, allowing adults in England and Wales with less than six months to live to seek medical assistance to end their lives. Previously, the bill encountered significant opposition in the House of Lords, having over 1,280 amendments tabled against it after passing the Commons in June 2025. If passed, the UK would join several countries and regions, including 13 US states, where assisted dying is already legal.
The Ukrainian city of Pavlohrad is observing a day of mourning following a Russian attack that killed five people, contributing to a total of two additional fatalities and 79 injuries in the Dnipropetrovsk region. Ukrainian officials condemned the attacks, asserting that Russia targets civilian areas to maximize casualties and spread fear, with foreign minister Andrii Sybiha characterizing this as a tactic of coercion. Additionally, a separate attack on a petrol station in Kyiv and an agribusiness facility in Dnipro highlights the intensifying Russian air campaign against businesses and civilian infrastructure.
Amy Mundorff, a medical examiner deployed to the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001, reflects on the emotional and physical toll of her work in identifying victims of the attacks. She discusses the long-lasting impacts, both mentally and physically, that this task has had on her life over the past 25 years. The segment sheds light on the haunting experiences faced by those who worked at Ground Zero in the aftermath of the tragedy.
A Hong Kong court sentenced three pro-democracy activists, Lee Cheuk-yan (69), Chow Hang-tung (41), and Albert Ho (74), to prison terms ranging from five to seven years for their role in organizing annual vigils commemorating the 1989 Tiananmen Square crackdown, under the city's national security law. The sentences were seven years for Lee and Chow, and five years and two months for Ho, who pleaded guilty; the now-disbanded Hong Kong Alliance, which organized the vigils, was fined HK$1.5 million ($191,304). The convictions have drawn international condemnation, with rights groups and foreign governments criticizing the verdicts as unjust and a suppression of free expression in Hong Kong.
A Hong Kong court sentenced three pro-democracy activists—Lee Cheuk-yan (69) and Chow Hang-tung (41) to seven years each, and Albert Ho (74) to five years and two months—under the national security law for their roles in organizing annual vigils commemorating the Tiananmen Square crackdown. The trio was convicted of "incitement to subversion" in August, with their disbanded organization, Hong Kong Alliance, fined HK$1.5 million ($191,304, €164,768) for its activities. These sentences have been condemned by international governments and rights groups, highlighting concerns over the suppression of free speech and political dissent in Hong Kong.
Usama Ghanem, a 22-year-old Egyptian student at King’s College London, had his suspension lifted after being accused of non-academic misconduct related to his pro-Palestine activism. KCL's actions reportedly affected at least 26 students involved in similar activities between October 2023 and November 2025, with Ghanem facing potential persecution if he returned to Egypt due to previous detention related to his activism. Ghanem emphasized the significance of the decision as a victory for student activism and Palestine solidarity, stating, "I’m left with nothing but conviction, and the only regret I’ll ever have is that I didn’t do more for the Palestinian people."
Hungary, previously seen as a strong ally of Russia under Prime Minister Viktor Orban, has shifted its stance since the appointment of Prime Minister Peter Magyar, who has openly criticized Russia's aggression against Ukraine and declared it a threat to Hungary's national security. In a significant diplomatic move, Hungary recently expelled 10 Russian diplomats for engaging in activities deemed unacceptable, marking one of the toughest sanctions against Moscow since the end of communism in 1989/1990. Experts note that Hungary was the only EU and NATO member not to have expelled Russian diplomats in recent years, and this decision signifies a return to alignment with its allies' security policies.
Under Viktor Orban, Hungary was the most pro-Russian EU member state, with Russian spies operating largely unchecked, and the former Foreign Minister reportedly passing confidential EU information to Russia. However, the new Prime Minister, Peter Magyar, has implemented a major shift in policy, expelling 10 Russian diplomats for engaging in espionage activities, representing one of the toughest diplomatic actions against Russia since the fall of communism in 1989/1990. Political analysts noted that Hungary was the last EU and NATO nation to expel Russian diplomats during recent years, signifying a return to alignment with its allies' security policies.
Yousef Munayyer reflects on his experiences as a Palestinian American in the days leading up to and following the September 11 attacks, highlighting how his life in the US became increasingly complicated after the events that killed nearly 3,000 people. He notes that Benjamin Netanyahu, then a former Israeli prime minister, expressed that the attacks could strengthen the US-Israel bond just hours after the tragedy, recognizing an opportunity amid a traumatized America. Munayyer argues that the post-9/11 landscape transformed US-Israel relations, shifting the focus from the Cold War paradigm to a new global narrative surrounding radical Islam, which allowed pro-Israel sentiments to flourish in a climate of heightened Islamophobia.
Philippine firefighters are searching for over 80 people still missing after the ferry "MV June Aster" caught fire near Coron, resulting in five confirmed deaths and 43 rescues. The fire spread rapidly from the cargo hold, reportedly caused by explosions, and erupted just 7 kilometers off the coast, with survivors describing the chaos and some jumping into the sea to escape. An investigation is ongoing into the fire's cause, amidst the backdrop of the Philippines' history of maritime accidents exacerbated by overcrowding and safety concerns.
Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in Delhi to attend the BRICS Summit on September 12 and 13, where he is expected to meet with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss defense, energy, technology, pharmaceuticals, and people-to-people exchanges. This marks Putin's first in-person appearance at a BRICS Summit outside Russia since the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. For security reasons, thousands of personnel have been deployed in the capital, with all schools in Delhi closed, and traffic restrictions imposed for the duration of the summit.
Anthropic's threat intelligence report revealed that its AI model, Claude, has been misused for "malicious activity," including attempts to develop biological weapons, with five cases identified between December 2025 and August 2026. Additionally, the report highlighted six instances where Claude contributed to the development of software for conventional weapons like firearms and drones, indicating a concerning trend of cybercriminals and state actors utilizing AI for harmful purposes. The company emphasized the serious risks associated with biological misuse, stating that such AI capabilities could lead to catastrophic consequences if left unchecked.
Anthropic reported several attempts to misuse its AI models, including Claude, for research potentially linked to biological weapons over the past eight months. In one noted case, a scientist sought assistance to engineer mutations to the chikungunya virus for harmful applications, leading the company to ban involved accounts due to military research associations. As concerns about AI's potential dangers grow, Anthropic emphasized that newer models are capable of complex scientific work, prompting calls for restricting access to trusted researchers.
Hurricane Lowell, tracking 50 miles (80 km) from Ni‘ihau, caused widespread damage to Hawaii’s western islands, particularly Ni‘ihau, Kauaʻi, and O‘ahu, with winds reaching up to 110 mph leading to significant power outages. Notably, a tornado watch, believed to be Hawaii's first, was issued for Kauaʻi; however, no tornado was reported. In Japan, heavy rainfall caused by tropical depression Krovanh led to 104.5 mm of rain in an hour in Nagoya and landslides affecting areas including the base of Mount Fuji, while severe thunderstorms in central-southern Europe resulted in 154.2 mm of rain in 3.5 hours in Veneto.
A Hong Kong court has sentenced three activists for organizing a vigil to commemorate the Tiananmen Square massacre, with Lee Cheuk-yan and Chow Hang-tung receiving seven-year sentences for inciting subversion, and Albert Ho receiving five years and two months after pleading guilty. The court ruled that their actions contravened the Chinese constitution, emphasizing that despite the lack of violence, their offense was serious, and imposed a fine of 1.5 million Hong Kong dollars ($191,000) on the now-disbanded Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China. International condemnation followed the verdicts, as public commemorations of the events had been unlawful since the implementation of the National Security Law in 2020.
Andy Burnham faces increasing pressure from Labour MPs, with 105 of them urging him to improve statutory paternity leave to help alleviate the cost of living crisis, particularly for low-paid fathers. Nearly half of Labour's 403 MPs have expressed support for enhancing paternity leave, which currently allows only two weeks at £187.18 per week, ranking the UK 40th out of 43 OECD countries, while a proposed increase to six weeks paid at 90% of earnings could generate £2.6 billion in economic growth. Campaigners argue the existing system is inadequate, with 55% of women on maternity leave reporting they borrowed money for living costs, highlighting a need for reform to make family life more financially viable.