A cross-party group of MPs, including the chair of the environment, food and rural affairs committee (Efra), is urging ministers to abandon negotiations with a consortium of 100 US hedge funds controlling Thames Water, which has £20 billion in debts and has significantly lost public trust. The report highlights the need for emergency legislation to enable the government to take public control of Thames Water and criticizes the opaque operations of the hedge fund consortium that is delaying necessary reforms while seeking up to £1 billion in relief from environmental fines. This call follows a debate involving 64 MPs over a petition with 200,000 signatures advocating for a referendum on returning the privatized water industry to public ownership.
The House of Lords has relaxed its dress code, allowing men to forgo ties in favor of "business attire," a decision that reflects changing fashion trends and societal norms. Fashion experts like Peter York argue that the relaxed dress code will lead to a decline in style, while others, such as Guy Hills, believe ties are merely experiencing a downturn and could make a comeback as younger generations show interest in proper clothing. Notably, the owner of Norton & Sons reported a significant decline in neckwear post-Covid, indicating a shift in office attire, with the increased trend of working from home contributing to this change.
A newly discovered wild cat species, named Leopardus tilcayo, has been identified in Bolivia's cloud forests, marking the first formal naming of a feline species in over a century. The tilcayo measures 46 cm (18 inches) long, weighs about 1.4 kg (3 pounds), and was found to be genetically distinct, having separated from other tiger cats approximately 1.4 million years ago. The study also recognized a new tiger cat subspecies in Peru, called Leopardus tigrinus antisuyo, after a historical region of the Inca Empire.
A San Diego family of three, including a husband, wife, and their 13-year-old daughter, was found dead in their home from gunshot wounds, prompting a search for answers. In another incident, a woman was charged with causing the death of two people after she crashed her SUV into a Metro bus while under the influence. Additionally, Uber has been ordered to pay $40 million following an incident where a woman was killed after being ejected from a car by her driver.
Former Prime Minister Paul Keating criticized the Aukus deal, claiming it commits Australia to potential US conflicts with China, which he believes the US would "certainly lose," leaving Australia vulnerable to retribution. Republican Congressman Michael McCaul indicated that Australia is already a target for US enemies and emphasized the need for greater military integration with the US, including the deployment of US nuclear submarines in Australia after 2032. The Aukus agreement, projected to cost Australia $368 billion through to the mid-2050s, includes the acquisition of three Virginia-class submarines starting in 2032 and the development of a new Aukus-class submarine in the early 2040s.
Indonesia has received its first aircraft carrier, the 41-year-old ITS Giuseppe Garibaldi from Italy, which is intended to enhance the country’s maritime security and disaster response capabilities. The finance ministry has approved $450 million for the carrier program, although some lawmakers estimate that retrofitting the ship could cost around 16 trillion rupiah (approximately $900 million). This acquisition has sparked significant debate over its necessity and the financial burdens it may impose, especially amidst Indonesia’s growing fiscal pressures.
The Detroit Lions suffered a significant defeat against the Buffalo Bills, losing 41-31, with quarterback Josh Allen leading the charge for the Bills. This game highlighted defensive struggles for the Lions, who allowed 41 points and failed to contain Allen's offensive prowess. The recap includes insights from various analyses, noting three winners and eight losers from the matchup.
At least 37 individuals suspected of illegal mining died in custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State, according to Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago. The detainees had been held in poor conditions, with one survivor reporting that 65 people were crammed into a poorly ventilated cell, leading to breathing difficulties. An investigation has been launched, and the cause of death is suspected to be related to overcrowding and inadequate ventilation, while the government declared three days of mourning.
The 2026 NFL offensive line rankings after Week 1 show the Denver Broncos leading, followed by the Philadelphia Eagles and Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the top three. In standout performances, Zay Flowers of the Baltimore Ravens recorded 150 receiving yards on only 20 snaps, averaging 13.64 yards per route run before an injury ended his game. PFF highlights further insights into player performances, including Dalton Kincaid's rise among tight ends and a special teams report noting Arizona's blocked punt as the play of the week.
The Bank of Japan (BoJ) raised interest rates by 0.25 percentage points to 1.25 percent, marking the highest borrowing costs in 31 years amid rising inflation pressures. This move comes as Japan faces inflation driven by rising energy prices and a shrinking labor pool, with consumer inflation steadying around the 2 percent target. The BoJ's rate remains lower than the European Central Bank's 2.5 percent, intensifying pressure to adjust rates further in light of actions from the Federal Reserve.
The stock market experienced a rebound, with the Nasdaq rising 1.7% following a positive reaction to the Federal Reserve meeting, while Treasury yields fell. Among stocks performing well, Charles Schwab of Brazil is nearing a buy point, and a biotech company has managed to partially recover from a significant 44% drop. Additionally, investors are encouraged to explore AI industry stocks, with an emphasis on Nvidia and Amazon partnerships, as well as identifying promising gold stocks that meet stringent criteria.
The Azcatitlan Codex, a crucial 16th-century manuscript detailing Aztec history, has returned to Mexico on loan from France for the first time since 1840, coinciding with the celebration of 200 years of diplomatic ties between the two nations. The codex illustrates the Mexica's migration from the mythical Aztlan to the founding of Tenochtitlan and includes the city's rulers and the arrival of the Spanish conquistadors, rendered in vibrant colors. The display of the codex at the National Museum of Anthropology in Mexico City will last until December, with Mexico reciprocating by loaning France the Codex Boturini, which also covers the migration of the Aztecs.
Italy plans to deploy warships to secure safe passage for its commercial vessels through the Bab al-Mandeb strait, which historically sees 12 to 15 percent of global trade and is only about 30km (19 miles) wide at its narrowest point. The strait has gained importance as Iran's control of the Strait of Hormuz has pushed Gulf shipping towards alternative routes, making Bab al-Mandeb vital for oil exports. Recent advances by the Iran-backed Houthi movement, which have led to their control of much of Yemen's western Red Sea coast, pose significant risks to international shipping in the area.
Drone attacks by armed groups in Colombia increased by 146% in the first five months of 2026 compared to the same period in 2025, resulting in 21 deaths and 145 injuries, with civilians making up nearly a third of the casualties. The ongoing conflict has exacerbated fear in communities, leading to restricted access to healthcare and displacement due to the terror caused by drone overflights. In response, the Colombian government has initiated a $1.68 billion project to develop an anti-drone shield while utilizing US-made drones in military operations against these armed groups.
Children's entertainer Ms. Rachel has matched Macklemore's $1 million donation to Palestinian aid groups, contributing to her reputation for supporting the Free Palestine movement. She has garnered both controversy and admiration as she navigates her rising celebrity, particularly as her first album, "I'm So Happy," is released. In addition to her philanthropic efforts, she discusses the impact of her newfound fame in a recent interview.
Nirmeen Noufl, 55, has been sentenced to an additional 12 months in jail for killing and dismembering her abusive husband, Mamdouh, in excessive self-defense, following a history of domestic violence, with her eligibility for parole set for October 2027. The judge highlighted the brutal nature of the body disposal and noted that the severity of Noufl's abusive relationship mitigated the seriousness of the killing, leading to a guilty plea to a lesser charge. Mamdouh Noufl's body remains undiscovered, and his family was likely to be disappointed with the sentence imposed.
Russians are voting to elect a new State Duma, with President Vladimir Putin's United Russia party expected to extend its 23-year dominance, following the barring of the liberal anti-war party Yabloko from the ballot. The election, which runs for three days starting Friday, is occurring against the backdrop of growing public anxiety regarding the Ukraine war and its increasing impact on daily life, yet candidates are largely avoiding sensitive topics and campaigning minimally. Political analysts suggest the Kremlin aims to keep voter turnout low among dissenting voters and maintain a façade of legitimacy despite the election's lack of competitiveness and freedom.
During a recent UN Security Council meeting, Syria, Israel, and Turkiye exchanged accusations over military presence in Syria, with Syria’s representative highlighting the threat of Israeli actions which he claims displaced people and bombed facilities. Israel's ambassador countered by detailing Turkiye's military expansion in Syria, stating that Turkiye has 20,000 troops and over 100 bases, controlling 5 percent of Syrian territory, which he claims poses a greater threat than Israel's security measures. Turkish officials defended their military presence as legitimate cooperation with Syria and called for Israel to cease its attacks and withdraw its forces.
The Trump administration has authorized the sale of 48 F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia, a deal valued at $24 billion, raising concerns among some members of Congress regarding the potential sharing of sensitive military technology with China. This sale, which would align Saudi Arabia's military capabilities with Israel's, is the largest arms transaction with Riyadh since the $142 billion agreement made last year. Congress has 30 days to review or block the deal, amid worries about altering the military balance in the region and the implications of providing advanced weapons to a nation engaged in conflict with Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen.
The White House has withdrawn the nomination of Lance Schroyer to lead ICE, announced on September 18, 2026, without providing a reason, despite his nomination by President Trump in June. Schroyer lacked significant immigration experience and did not receive a Senate hearing due to Republican Senator Rand Paul's request for updates on civilian deaths during ICE operations. ICE arrests peaked at nearly 51,000 in August, marking the highest monthly total during Trump's second administration, while the agency has not had a Senate-confirmed director since 2017.
Swedish pop star Zara Larsson criticized the White House for using her song "Midnight Sun" in a TikTok video depicting immigration enforcement raids, labeling it "dehumanizing." The video, which has over 4.2 million views, features ICE agents and has the caption "never ending deportations," paralleling her lyrics. Larsson joined other artists like Sabrina Carpenter and Ariana Grande in expressing dismay at their music being used in political contexts, with various songs being removed from White House social media posts following artist objections.
Samir Ousman Alsheikh, a former Syrian military official, was sentenced to 60 years in a U.S. prison for torturing prisoners at Adra Prison from 2005 to 2008, having been found guilty of one count of conspiracy to commit torture and three counts of torture. During the trial, three victims detailed severe abuses, including being beaten while suspended and subjected to a torture device, while prosecutors described his actions as "heinous" and indicative of his belief that he would never be held accountable. Alsheikh, who came to the U.S. in 2020 and attempted to gain citizenship by lying about his past, was arrested in July 2024, and prosecutors had sought an 80-year sentence based on the severity of his crimes.
Heavy rain caused significant flooding in Tunisia's capital on September 18, 2026, disrupting transport and trapping residents, with reports of cars submerged and widespread power and internet outages. The Greater Tunis region, home to nearly three million people, has experienced recurring flooding issues, exacerbated by inadequate drainage systems, with 29 flood-protection projects currently underway across the country. Residents criticized local authorities for their lack of preventive measures and expressed frustration over the recurring nature of these disasters, especially as students returned to schools this week and traffic intensified.
Samir Ousman al-Sheikh, a former Syrian official responsible for the Adra prison from 2005 to 2008, was sentenced to 60 years in prison by a US court for overseeing torture, marking the most significant punishment of an al-Assad regime official by a foreign court. Al-Sheikh, 74, was convicted of torturing prisoners, lying on immigration forms, and manipulating his position while watching interrogations through surveillance cameras in a designated "punishment wing." His trial included testimonies from victims who recounted brutal acts, with allegations of extreme torture methods such as folding prisoners into car tires and using a device called the "magic carpet" to inflict excruciating pain.
Bailee Lynn Rios, 36, has been charged with two counts of murder after allegedly driving under the influence and crashing her SUV into a Los Angeles metro bus, resulting in the deaths of two passengers, Daniel Castillo, 46, and Gage Weida, 31. Following the bus crash, a news helicopter covering the incident crashed, killing its pilot, George Marciniw, journalist Eliana Moreno, and a pedestrian, Edy Gutierrez Mejia, totaling five fatalities related to the events. Rios is being held on $4.1 million bail and is scheduled for arraignment on September 18.
Attorney General Todd Blanche is challenging longstanding ethical norms by engaging in partisan politics, a practice that has typically been avoided by leaders of the Justice Department. Meanwhile, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has communicated to vaccine skeptics that they have a "friend at the White House," highlighting a controversial appearance at a conference focused on vaccine misinformation. Additionally, a new ballot measure in Montana aims to reduce corporate influence in politics, but critics argue it contravenes the Supreme Court's Citizens United ruling.
At least 48 people have died and around 100 are receiving treatment in southern Nigeria after consuming locally brewed alcohol suspected to contain methanol, with a total of 182 people believed to be affected. Officials have reported that the incidents occurred mainly in the Odigbo and Irele local government areas, and 15 people have been arrested in connection with the incident, including a purported producer of the toxic substance. In response to this crisis, Nigeria’s National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control is implementing a nationwide ban on alcohol sold in sachets and small plastic containers, which are considered easily accessible to minors.
In the latest developments of the PBS episode, the trio struggles to uncover a clear motive as the suspects' secrets are exposed. The episode features various specials including NWPB Presents Wrecked: Sinking Ships and Colliding Cultures Special running for 19 minutes and 59 seconds, and highlights efforts to remember "Fallen Cougs" from WWII with a community spotlight airing on June 30, 2025, lasting for 2 minutes and 29 seconds. Additionally, it showcases a range of new seasons and intriguing crime dramas, from detectives tackling complex cases to adaptations of classic literature.
Iran has ordered a Swedish diplomat to leave the country within 48 hours after Sweden expelled an Iranian embassy official for activities deemed incompatible with the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations. The Iranian Foreign Ministry criticized Sweden's actions as being influenced by the "Zionist regime" and harmful to the normal operations of its embassy in Stockholm, while Swedish officials cited concerns over Iran's alleged threats to Jewish and Israeli interests. Swedish Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard emphasized that the expulsion was necessary to protect Swedish citizens and interests, highlighting Iran's long-term activities that threaten security in Sweden.
The article provides a schedule of upcoming sporting events, highlighting college football games like Miami vs. Wake Forest (MIA favored by 20.5 points), and Houston vs. Texas Tech with the latter favored by 7.5 points. In Major League Baseball, matchups include Boston (83-70) against Tampa Bay (93-59), and the New York Yankees (88-64) taking on Arizona (80-73). The WNBA features Indiana (26-14) favored by 13.5 points over Toronto (11-29), with an over/under of 188.5 points.