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Two glider planes collided in mid-air on Friday afternoon in upstate New York. One pilot died at the crash site, while the other landed safely with no injuries.
Key Facts
The collision happened around 2:26 p.m. on Friday.
The crash occurred near Sand Lake Road in Edinburg, Saratoga County, New York.
One glider landed safely at Plateau Sky Ranch Airport, and its pilot was unharmed.
The other glider’s pilot was alone in the aircraft and was found dead at the crash site.
Police and investigators responded to the incident and found debris in a remote area.
The Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board are involved in the ongoing investigation.
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After a very hot summer with record heat and dry conditions, southern England and Wales are starting to see rain again, which is helping grass and plants grow back. Despite some improvement, parts of the UK are still officially in drought, and low water levels persist.
Key Facts
This summer was the hottest ever recorded in the UK, causing severe dry conditions and brown landscapes.
Large parts of southern England and Wales remain in official drought status.
The drought led to damaged grass in parks and a decrease in visitors and outdoor activities.
Grass is regrowing now due to the recent rain and its ability to recover after heat stress.
In Wales, drought and wildfires caused harm to agriculture, including thin cattle and stressed animals.
The UK government has pledged £100 million to improve response to extreme weather and wildfires.
Activists say prevention is also needed, not just more emergency resources.
Groundwater and reservoir levels are still low, so water-saving measures continue to be important.
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The Liberal Democrats are preparing a new plan for a possible early election, aiming to stop a Reform Party government. Party leader Ed Davey says it is important to stay focused and ready, expecting the party to win more seats than in 2024.
Key Facts
The Liberal Democrats are working on a new election manifesto just in case a snap election is called.
Ed Davey understands some MPs are frustrated with the party’s slow progress and lack of public attention.
The party wants to block a Reform Party-led government, which may ally with Nigel Farage’s party.
The Lib Dems won 72 seats in 2024, their best result in 100 years, and hope to improve on that.
Their policies include trying to rejoin the EU single market and signing a Europe-wide deal on migration and asylum.
Polls show the Lib Dems at about 12-13%, fifth place after Reform, Labour, Conservatives, and the Greens.
They plan to defend seats they gained in 2024, referred to as the “orange wall,” and win more.
Ed Davey feels a moral responsibility to fight against racism and extremist views linked to some Reform supporters.
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Russia held parliamentary elections during an ongoing conflict, with the government working to ensure high voter participation. While outside observers often see these elections as controlled performances with predetermined results, the Russian leadership linked election outcomes to future political and foreign policy directions.
Key Facts
Russia’s parliamentary elections took place amid a large-scale military conflict.
The government encouraged voter turnout and political activity before the elections.
Financial incentives and postponement of unpopular decisions were used to influence public opinion.
Many outsiders believe the election results were pre-set by Kremlin strategists.
The elections were seen by some as a way to strengthen the Russian leadership’s position.
Ukraine postponed its 2024 presidential election until after the conflict ends, unlike Russia.
Russia’s foreign partners typically do not prioritize Western concepts of democracy.
The elections sparked debate about the true impact on Russia’s political future and policy choices.
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Cuba experienced a total blackout on September 18, 2026, after its electrical grid failed due to issues in high-voltage transmission lines. The blackout happened during ongoing U.S. fuel restrictions that have worsened Cuba’s power supply problems.
Key Facts
Cuba’s national electrical grid collapsed completely on September 18, 2026, causing a nationwide blackout.
The blackout started around 2 pm local time due to a failure in high-voltage transmission lines in central Cuba.
Power was gradually restored to some areas, mainly hospitals, but much of Havana stayed without electricity by evening.
This was at least the sixth partial or full blackout in Cuba since January 2026.
Cuba’s power problems are linked to aging infrastructure and fuel shortages worsened by a U.S. oil blockade.
The U.S. fuel blockade began in January 2026 and has heavily limited oil supplies to Cuba.
The U.N. has criticized the U.S. blockade, calling it a violation of international law and warning of severe humanitarian impacts.
The blackout reflects ongoing challenges in Cuba’s energy sector combined with external economic pressures.
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The United States is considering reducing its military forces in Europe because some European allies refused to let the US use their airbases for actions against Iran. US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is reviewing options that could cut US troops by up to one-third or more in Europe, mainly in Germany, Italy, and Spain. A final decision is expected by early November.
Key Facts
The US has about 68,000 troops stationed in Europe, with many in Germany, Italy, and Spain.
Some European countries denied the US access to their airbases for attacks on Iran, leading to tensions.
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth criticized these allies for risking American soldiers by refusing access.
One plan is to remove about one-third of US troops from Europe; another suggests withdrawing 40,000 troops plus equipment.
Troops might be moved from central/western Europe to NATO’s eastern border near Russia.
About half of the 2,000 US troops in Romania have already left, and about 5,000 are withdrawing from Germany.
Germany’s leader criticized the US war on Iran, and President Trump proposed even bigger withdrawals last year.
A US military pullback could reduce America’s nuclear deterrent in Europe, potentially benefiting Russia according to experts.
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A Russian glide bomb struck an apartment building in Sumy, Ukraine, killing at least two people and injuring seven. Meanwhile, Russia held a parliamentary vote in territories it controls after annexing them from Ukraine, a move condemned as illegal by Ukraine and the European Union.
Key Facts
At least two people died and seven were injured when a Russian glide bomb hit an apartment building in Sumy, Ukraine.
The bomb caused damage across three floors of the building.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called the attack "absolutely inhuman."
Russian forces also attacked a clinic in Pavlohrad and a logistics center outside Kyiv.
Russia held parliamentary elections including residents in illegally annexed Ukrainian regions.
Ukraine and the EU condemned the Russian elections as illegal and said residents were pressured to vote.
The US approved a $2.7 billion military sale to Ukraine to improve air defense systems.
The EU criticized Russia’s controlled elections and France increased protection against Russian hybrid attacks.
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Saudi Arabia issued its first air raid alerts for Riyadh as the Houthis increased attacks and imposed a naval blockade. Explosions were heard in the capital, but authorities later said the threat was over. The conflict involves control over key shipping routes and has affected global oil markets.
Key Facts
Air raid alerts were given for Riyadh and other regions in Saudi Arabia for the first time since July.
The Houthis declared a "maritime embargo" blocking Saudi shipping routes in the Red Sea.
Explosions were reported in Riyadh, but officials said the danger had passed.
Houthis control the port city of Mokha and Perim Island, key points for shipping to Asia and Europe.
The naval blockade is a response to Saudi blockades of ports and airports in Houthi-controlled Yemen.
Saudi vessels depend on the Red Sea route after the Strait of Hormuz was closed due to conflicts involving the US and Israel with Iran.
Recent Houthi drone and missile attacks caused fires at Saudi oil facilities, temporarily stopping operations.
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman requested military help from US President Donald Trump, who declined direct military involvement but offered intelligence support.
The United Nations Security Council stressed the importance of keeping shipping routes open in the Red Sea to protect global trade.
Yemen’s civil war began in 2014, leading to over 150,000 deaths and a major humanitarian crisis.
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A federal appeals court ruled that immigrants must be given clear notice and a chance to challenge deportation before being sent to a third country where they have no ties. This ruling blocks a Department of Homeland Security policy that allowed fast deportations to third countries without prior warning.
Key Facts
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit made the decision.
The court overturned a DHS policy permitting quick deportations to third countries.
Immigrants must now be told in advance where they will be sent and can contest that removal.
The policy was often used when the U.S. had diplomatic agreements with countries like Liberia, Ghana, and the Central African Republic.
Some immigrants were reportedly not informed of their destination until during the flight.
The administration has spent nearly $50 million on agreements for these deportations.
Critics say some deported immigrants faced danger and mistreatment in the countries they were sent to.
The ruling protects immigrants' right to due process and international protections against persecution.
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Kerry Kennedy, niece of President John F. Kennedy, said people would return to the Kennedy Center if President Donald Trump stopped his plans to add his name to the building. President Trump is pushing for major renovations and to have his name added, but many oppose this, leading to protests around the center.
Key Facts
Kerry Kennedy criticized President Trump’s plan to put his name on the Kennedy Center.
Thousands protested outside the Kennedy Center to oppose the renaming and renovation plans.
President Trump claims the building needs major repairs and subsidies, justifying his involvement.
Congress approved $257 million for renovation, but Trump wants his name added before work proceeds.
The Kennedy Center board decided to close the main building but keep a smaller theater wing open.
A judge ruled the center must give 30 days notice before any major changes like demolition.
The Department of Justice warned the building could be demolished if not fixed.
The Kennedy Center is a living memorial to President John F. Kennedy since 1971.
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Harrods is trying to get back the money it paid in compensation to women who say they were sexually abused by Mohamed Al Fayed from his estate. The store has accepted responsibility for the abuse but wants the estate to cover all the compensation costs.
Key Facts
Harrods is seeking full repayment from Mohamed Al Fayed’s estate for compensation paid to abuse survivors.
The estate belongs to Mohamed Al Fayed, who died in 2023 at age 94.
Allegations against Fayed include rape, sexual assault, sexual exploitation, and human trafficking from 1977 to 2014.
Harrods has accepted “vicarious liability,” meaning it recognizes responsibility for abuse by someone connected to the store.
The compensation claims could reach up to £150 million, involving 275 survivors represented by KP Law.
Harrods created its own compensation scheme, paying out £4.1 million to 113 women by 2025.
Survivors and their lawyers have expressed concern that Harrods’ effort to recover money from the estate conflicts with its public statements on responsibility.
A court hearing will take place in November regarding the appointment of special executors to manage Fayed’s estate and ensure compensation payments.
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The Resolution Foundation warns that over 1.1 million low-income families renting homes in England are facing a gap between housing support and rising rents. They urge the government to adjust the Local Housing Allowance (LHA) to match current rent prices to help families afford housing, especially with a budget decision coming soon.
Key Facts
More than 1.1 million low-income families in rented homes struggle to cover rent costs.
Local Housing Allowance (LHA) has been kept the same in cash terms since autumn 2024, despite rent increases.
The average weekly rent shortfall for a two-bedroom flat is £158, and over £300 in some parts of London.
The Resolution Foundation says that most of the benefits of raising LHA go to tenants, not landlords.
They recommend restoring an automatic yearly link between LHA rates and local rents to reduce costs for tenants.
Changing LHA to match rents would cost £2 billion per year by 2029-30.
The foundation suggests funding this by adjusting universal credit rules, helping those who need it most.
The UK government plans to announce its budget on October 28; housing support decisions will be part of it.
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Protesters gathered outside the Kennedy Center in Washington after President Trump said he plans to close the building for renovations. He called the center a "dump" and threatened to tear it down if a judge does not approve adding his name to it.
Key Facts
President Trump plans to close the Kennedy Center for renovations.
He referred to the Kennedy Center as a "dump."
Trump wants to add his name to the Kennedy Center building.
He threatened to demolish the building if a judge does not approve his name being added.
Protesters gathered outside the Kennedy Center to oppose these plans.
The Kennedy Center is a major arts venue in Washington.
The controversy involves both the building’s future and President Trump’s name on it.
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The NAACP and other civil rights groups have filed a lawsuit to stop the Trump administration from sending armed agents to U.S. polling places before the November midterm elections. The lawsuit targets several government agencies and officials, seeking to prevent this action.
Key Facts
The NAACP and other civil rights groups filed the lawsuit on Friday.
The lawsuit aims to block armed agents from being sent to polling stations.
The target date is ahead of the November midterm elections.
Agencies named in the lawsuit include the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the Department of Justice (DOJ), and the FBI.
The lawsuit also names several Trump administration officials.
The organizations seek to prevent what they see as an intimidation effort at the polls.
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Brazilian police arrested Jorlan Lopes da Silva, who confessed to killing 80 people. He was caught trying to escape while wearing a wig and holding a baby. Police plan to reopen many cases linked to him.
Key Facts
The arrest happened in Paraiba State, in northeast Brazil.
The suspect disguised himself as a woman during the arrest.
Jorlan Lopes da Silva is 33 years old.
He admitted to killing 80 people.
Police will review and reopen many related murder cases.
The suspect was trying to flee when captured.
He was holding a baby at the time of arrest.
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The U.S. government is proposing changes to hold parents responsible if their children commit crimes. These changes could involve parents losing benefits or, in rare cases, facing prison time, with judges deciding the punishment.
Key Facts
Youth Justice Minister Jake Richards said parents should be accountable to help keep communities safe.
The government plans to strengthen Parenting Orders, which now require parents to attend counseling or pay fines.
Prison sentences for parents would only happen in extreme cases and would be decided by judges.
The new approach is described as "carrot-and-stick," meaning both rewards and penalties.
Critics say voluntary involvement of parents works better than punishments.
Courts already consider Parenting Orders for children under 16 and sometimes for 16- and 17-year-olds.
Use of Parenting Orders has dropped sharply, from over 1,000 in 2009/10 to just 33 in 2022/23.
These reforms follow a report that showed missed chances to prevent child murders in Southport due to parental and agency failures.
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Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro responded to President Trump’s criticism calling him a “bad governor” after four people died from measles in Pennsylvania. Shapiro said that allowing measles, a disease once declared eliminated, to come back is the real incompetence.
Key Facts
Four people died from measles in Pennsylvania recently.
President Trump called Governor Shapiro a “bad governor” and “close to incompetent” because of the measles outbreak.
Governor Shapiro replied that letting measles return is the real incompetence.
Measles was declared eliminated in the U.S. in 2000.
Shapiro’s remarks were made on social media on Friday.
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Saratoga Potato Chips LLC is recalling certain J. HIGGS bacon and cheddar potato chips sold at Save A Lot stores in five states because they may contain soy, which is not listed on the label. No injuries have been reported, and customers allergic to soy can return the product for a refund.
Key Facts
The recall is for J. HIGGS loaded bacon and cheddar potato chips with best-by dates of December 11 and 18, 2026.
These chips were sold at Save A Lot stores in Indiana, Kentucky, Tennessee, Ohio, and Maryland.
The chips may contain undeclared soy, which can cause serious allergic reactions for some people.
No illnesses or injuries linked to these chips have been reported so far.
Customers can return the recalled chips to the store for a full refund.
The FDA identified the problem during a company review, and they warned customers about symptoms of severe allergic reactions.
Other recent food recalls in the U.S. have involved contamination or undeclared allergens, highlighting ongoing food safety concerns.
The FDA lists nine major food allergens, including soy, which must be clearly labeled.
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British singer Ed Sheeran's promoter removed rapper Macklemore from Sheeran's US tour after Macklemore made pro-Palestinian remarks during shows. This decision caused issues like fewer ticket sales, some supporting artists leaving, and planned protests by pro-Palestinian groups at upcoming concerts.
Key Facts
Macklemore spoke out in favor of Palestine at an Ed Sheeran concert in New Jersey.
He criticized Israel's military actions after the October 7 Hamas attack.
Macklemore's comments led to a petition demanding his removal from the tour.
Stadium owner Robert Kraft banned Macklemore from performing at his venue.
Kraft said Macklemore's speech was hate speech and antisemitic rhetoric.
Ed Sheeran said the decision to drop Macklemore was made by the promoter, not him directly.
Macklemore said he was dropped after discussions with Sheeran ended in disagreement.
Pro-Palestinian groups plan to protest at Sheeran's upcoming concert in Philadelphia.
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The documentary NAZA, about Israeli military operations in Gaza, received a 25-minute standing ovation at the Venice Film Festival. In Israel, the film sparked strong backlash from right-wing politicians and groups who accused the filmmakers of betrayal and threatened them with violence.
Key Facts
NAZA is a documentary made by Israeli filmmakers Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor about Israeli military actions in Gaza.
The film uses anonymous testimonies from Israeli soldiers to show how civilians are targeted in nighttime strikes.
It received a 25-minute standing ovation at the Venice Film Festival.
The documentary will open in US cinemas on 30 September, with plans for wider international release.
In Israel, right-wing politicians, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, called the film-makers traitors and proposed laws to punish those who criticize the military.
Far-right protesters threatened the filmmakers and demanded harsh punishments, including the death penalty.
Human rights and press freedom groups defended the filmmakers against these threats.
The controversy highlights deep political divisions in Israel over the war in Gaza and freedom of speech.
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