On September 13, there was heavy fighting in Ukraine's Sumy region, resulting in three deaths due to a Russian attack. A Ukrainian drone attack led to a halt at a significant Russian oil terminal, while a second drone incident was stopped with no damage reported. Tensions rose as Russian drones reportedly violated Polish airspace, leading to international concern and discussions in the UN. Additionally, militaries in Europe are conducting exercises amid geopolitical tensions.
Key Facts
A Russian attack in Sumy, Ukraine, killed three people on Friday morning.
Ukrainian forces claim they stopped Russian advances in the Sumy region.
A Ukrainian drone attack paused loading operations at Russia’s Primorsk oil terminal.
An attempted Ukrainian drone attack on a Russian nuclear station was intercepted with no harm done.
Coldplay completed a record-breaking series of 10 shows at Wembley Stadium as part of their Music Of The Spheres Tour. They have sold over 12 million tickets, making it the most attended tour in history. The band announced plans to continue the tour in southern Africa in about 18 months.
Key Facts
Coldplay played 10 sold-out shows at Wembley Stadium.
The band’s tour is the highest-attended in history with over 12 million tickets sold.
The finale show was postponed due to a London transport workers' strike.
Coldplay was the first band to use only renewable energy for a Wembley Stadium concert.
More than 800,000 people attended the Wembley concerts.
The band received support from Venezuela's Simón Bolívar Orchestra during their shows.
Charlie Kirk, a right-wing activist, was fatally shot at a university speaking event in Utah. His widow, Erika Kirk, gave a speech thanking those who tried to save him and promised to continue his work. Tyler Robinson, the suspected shooter, was arrested after surrendering to police.
Key Facts
Charlie Kirk was shot during a speech in Orem, Utah.
Erika Kirk, his widow, expressed gratitude to first responders and others who supported her.
Tyler Robinson is the suspect and was arrested after the incident.
Erika committed to continuing her husband's university tour and podcast.
Charlie Kirk was known for his support of Donald Trump and conservative causes.
Erika Kirk is a businesswoman, former Miss Arizona, and is studying for a doctorate in Bible Studies.
A U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent shot and killed a man near Chicago. The man allegedly tried to drive his car at agents while they were trying to arrest him. The ICE agent involved feared for his life and fired his weapon.
Key Facts
The incident happened near Chicago on a Friday morning.
ICE was trying to arrest a man who resisted and drove his car toward agents.
The driver, Silverio Villegas-Gonzales, died in the hospital after being shot.
An ICE agent was injured and hospitalized but is in stable condition.
Authorities stated the man had a history of reckless driving and was an undocumented migrant.
Local police were not involved in the incident.
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker called for transparency on the situation.
Franklin Park, where the shooting occurred, is near Chicago with a significant Hispanic population.
Officials knew about supportive emails between Lord Mandelson and Jeffrey Epstein before UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer defended Mandelson. Starmer was unaware of these email contents when he defended Mandelson during a parliamentary session. Later, Mandelson was removed from his position as ambassador due to the emails revealing a deeper connection with Epstein.
Key Facts
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer defended Lord Mandelson before knowing about emails between Mandelson and Jeffrey Epstein.
The emails showed a supportive relationship and were known to officials but not to Starmer when he defended Mandelson.
A media inquiry with details of these emails was sent to the Foreign Office and passed to the Prime Minister's office.
Lord Mandelson was questioned about the emails but delayed in responding.
The emails were published by news outlets and led to Mandelson's dismissal as the UK ambassador to the US.
Mandelson expressed regret for associating with Epstein and claimed he was misled by him.
Jeffrey Epstein had paid for Mandelson's travel expenses on two occasions in 2003.
The relationship between Mandelson and Epstein was deeper than previously understood when Mandelson was appointed ambassador.
Simone Gbagbo, former First Lady of Ivory Coast, has announced her candidacy for president. Known as the "iron lady," she has a background in activism and politics alongside her ex-husband Laurent Gbagbo. Despite past controversies and a criminal conviction, she plans to contest the upcoming election.
Key Facts
Simone Gbagbo is running for president of Ivory Coast.
She was previously the First Lady from 2000 to 2011.
Simone Gbagbo has a history of political activism with her ex-husband Laurent Gbagbo.
She co-founded the Ivorian Popular Front (FPI) with Laurent Gbagbo in 1982.
Simone Gbagbo has faced multiple imprisonments due to her political activities.
The couple's activism was against the long rule of then-president Félix Houphouët-Boigny.
Her campaign comes after overcoming a divorce and a criminal conviction.
The upcoming presidential election in Ivory Coast is in October.
BBC Verify visited a house in Washington, Utah associated with Tyler Robinson, who is a suspect in the killing of Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University. A car similar to the one detectives linked to the suspect was parked at the house. BBC's reporter searched for information both at the location and online.
Key Facts
BBC Verify visited a house in Washington, Utah linked to Tyler Robinson.
Tyler Robinson is a suspect in the shooting of Charlie Kirk.
The shooting happened at Utah Valley University.
A grey car, similar to the one identified by detectives, was found at the house.
BBC reporter Nick Beake is investigating the case both locally and on social media.
The article "Tech Now" explores various instances where technology is used to address challenges and innovate across different fields such as healthcare, transportation, sports, and energy. It highlights uses of AI in detecting pancreatic cancer, managing road safety, advancing esports, and developments towards clean energy solutions.
Key Facts
The show features technology being used to find 'hidden' pancreatic cancer cases.
AI is being used to improve road safety by predicting and preventing accidents.
The episode discusses how technology can help detect and prevent wildfires earlier.
The program highlights the innovations in the esports industry.
The show examines sustainable methods for lithium mining and its environmental impact.
Other episodes discuss the potential of electric flight to clean up air travel and the possibilities of nuclear fusion as a clean energy source.
This autumn, several celestial events are set to occur, including the bright appearance of Saturn and meteor showers. These events can be observed during longer nights as the season progresses. Sky watchers will need clear skies to best view these phenomena.
Key Facts
Saturn will appear brightest on 21 September as it is nearest to Earth and directly opposite the Sun.
The Orionid meteor shower occurs from 2 October to 7 November, peaking around 22 October.
The Draconid meteor shower peaks on 8 October, but viewing could be hindered by a full moon.
The Taurid meteor shower peaks on 12 November, with few meteors expected.
A supermoon appears on 5 November and then again on 4 December, appearing larger and brighter than usual.
Optimal viewing conditions for these events require clear skies, but the weather may be unsettled.
Three elderly nuns in Austria left a care home where they were placed against their wishes and returned to their old convent. The convent in the Alps, where they lived and worked for most of their lives, had no water or electricity when they returned, but supporters are helping restore basic services.
Key Facts
The three nuns are Sister Bernadette (88), Sister Regina (86), and Sister Rita (82).
They were moved from their convent to a care home in December 2023.
The nuns returned to their former convent with the help of former students and a locksmith.
The convent initially had no water or power, but supporters are helping to restore it.
The Archdiocese of Salzburg and Reichersberg Abbey took over the convent in 2022.
The rooms at the convent are described as not suitable for proper care by church authorities.
Supporters and former students are assisting the nuns with food and necessities.
The convent has been part of a girls' school that started accepting boys in 2017.
The Israeli army took control of a Palestinian property in the West Bank, using it as a base during a military operation. The property owner claims that the soldiers damaged his home and business and eventually set parts of it on fire. The Israeli military denies the arson allegations and states that they are reviewing a complaint about the incident.
Key Facts
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) took over Nasser Faratawi's property in the West Bank in March.
The family was given 90 minutes to leave the premises.
The military used the property as a base for about three and a half months during an operation nearby.
Nasser claims that the soldiers caused damage, wrote graffiti, and set his business on fire.
The Israeli military denies being aware of any arson and is investigating the complaint.
More than 900 Palestinians and over 60 Israelis have been killed in recent West Bank tensions.
The IDF states it sometimes uses Palestinian homes for operations but aims to minimize civilian impact.
New research says seven million households in the UK are not claiming a total of £24 billion in benefits and support they are eligible for. Barriers to claiming these benefits include lack of awareness, the complexity of the claiming process, and the stigma around receiving benefits. The government is trying to increase awareness through public campaigns.
Key Facts
Seven million UK households are missing out on benefits and support worth £24 billion.
The barriers to claiming include lack of awareness, complicated processes, and stigma.
Benefits include universal credit, pension credit, free school meals, and more.
The report predicts unclaimed benefits will rise to £24.1 billion by 2025-26.
Public campaigns and services like Help to Claim aim to increase benefit uptake.
More older people are starting to claim pension credit.
Some local authorities have improved free school meal claims to 95% coverage.
Young people in Indian-administered Kashmir use social media to preserve the region’s cultural history, countering a narrative often focused on conflict. They create content about Kashmiri language, architecture, folklore, and crafts to highlight the area's rich heritage. These creators aim to tell new stories about daily life in Kashmir, offering a different perspective on the region.
Key Facts
Muneer Ahmad Dar started a social media page called "Muneer Speaks" to promote Kashmiri culture.
His content receives over 500 million impressions across various social media platforms.
The content includes stories about architecture, folklore, and local delicacies.
Journalist Muhammad Faysal runs a project documenting Kashmir’s artefacts and traditions with a team of experts.
Sheikh Adnan uses Instagram to share the history of Kashmir's Pashmina scarves (shawls).
These content creators emphasize the importance of maintaining accuracy and authenticity in their storytelling.
Experts note the importance of careful documentation to keep cultural nuances intact.
The creators highlight positive aspects of Kashmir's heritage beyond its history of conflict.
The article shares advice from university students reflecting on their first-year experiences. They discuss balancing studies and social life, managing nerves when meeting new people, and the benefits of joining clubs. Students also offer practical tips for living with roommates and adapting to university life.
Key Facts
Many new students worry about adjusting to university, but find they are not alone in feeling this way.
Edith Adam, a student in Liverpool, felt nervous about making friends but realized other students shared similar fears.
Edith advises not to overemphasize freshers' week and to handle small chores promptly to maintain cordial relations with roommates.
Konstantin Schmidt, who started late at Greenwich University due to visa issues, successfully integrated by joining student societies.
Societies such as a volleyball club helped Konstantin quickly make friends despite missing early university events.
Konstantin and his flatmates shared meals from their cultures, which helped them bond and learn about each other.
Some students, like Rebecca commuting between Glasgow and Edinburgh, deal with challenges of living at home while studying.
A 22-year-old named Tyler Robinson has been arrested in Utah for the killing of right-wing activist Charlie Kirk. Robinson was apprehended after his father persuaded him to surrender following a 33-hour manhunt. The incident took place at a university event and has shocked many people in the United States.
Key Facts
Tyler Robinson, aged 22, was arrested for the murder of Charlie Kirk, who was shot at a university event.
Robinson's father played a key role in convincing him to surrender to the police.
President Donald Trump announced the arrest and advocated for the death penalty for Robinson.
The shooting happened during an event at Utah Valley University, causing panic among students.
Investigators found a rifle believed to be used in the shooting, hidden in a wooded area near the campus.
The suspect had reportedly shown interest in politics recently, according to a family member.
Robinson faces charges of aggravated murder, obstruction of justice, and illegal firearm discharge.
The campus was closed after the shooting, and students expressed relief at Robinson's arrest.
Qatar's Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed met with U.S. President Donald Trump in New York following an Israeli airstrike in Doha that killed a Qatari official and members of Hamas. This meeting is part of ongoing diplomatic efforts after the attack aimed at derailing Israel-Hamas ceasefire talks. They discussed the US-Qatar relationship and security arrangement as well as strategies to address the conflict in Gaza.
Key Facts
Qatar's Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed is also the country's foreign minister.
An Israeli airstrike in Doha killed a Qatari security official and five Hamas members.
The strike targeted a Hamas meeting regarding a new deal proposed by Trump to end the Gaza conflict.
Sheikh Mohammed met with U.S. Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio before meeting Trump.
Qatar hosts the U.S. Al Udeid airbase and is considered a strong ally.
Trump expressed discontent about Israel's targeting of Qatar.
The United Nations Security Council condemned Israel's attack on Qatar.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio plans to visit Israel for discussions related to the conflict.
Tyler Robinson, a 22-year-old man in Utah, has been arrested after being suspected of shooting conservative activist Charlie Kirk. The arrest came after Robinson's father, a police officer, turned him in. The incident is part of broader political tensions, with discussions on Labour leadership and UK-US relations also in the news.
Key Facts
Tyler Robinson is suspected of killing Charlie Kirk in Utah.
Robinson was turned into authorities by his father, who is a police officer.
There are engravings found on the weapon believed to have been used in the shooting.
US President Trump has stated that Robinson deserves the death penalty.
The arrest is reported by several major newspapers in the UK.
There's speculation about Labour leadership changes in the UK, involving Keir Starmer and Andy Burnham.
The UK and US are working on finalizing deals on nuclear reactors, AI data centres, and whisky.
A Labour donor evicted a family before increasing rent, which is highlighted in discussions about renters' rights.
Phil Salt, an England cricket player, set a record for the fastest century by an England player in a T20 International match. He scored 141 not out to help England defeat South Africa, leveling the series at 1-1. Salt expressed his ambition to become the best T20 opener in the world.
Key Facts
Phil Salt scored 141 runs not out in a T20 match against South Africa.
He reached his century in just 39 balls, setting a new England record.
England's total score was 304-2, a record for a T20 match between two Test-playing countries.
Salt's innings included 23 boundaries and 8 sixes.
England bowled out South Africa for 158, leveling the series.
Salt aims to be the best T20 opener in the world.
This match tied the T20 series at 1-1 with a final decider game coming up.
India and Pakistan are set to play a cricket match at the Asia Cup 2025 amid tense political relations following a recent conflict. The match is causing controversy among fans due to strained diplomatic ties between the two nations. Despite past instances of friendly interactions between the teams, experts predict more tension this time.
Key Facts
India and Pakistan will play a cricket match during the Asia Cup 2025 in Dubai.
The game will take place following a four-day conflict in May between the two countries.
An internationally brokered ceasefire prevented the situation from escalating into a full war.
Some Indian fans and commentators feel it is inappropriate to play the match given the tense political climate.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is criticized for scheduling the match amid these tensions.
In past matches, interactions between players from both countries have often been friendly and celebrated.
Experts suggest the current political mood may prevent displays of camaraderie seen in previous matches.
Fans on both sides are emotionally invested, often reacting strongly to match outcomes.
Advocacy groups, including Planned Parenthood, are asking the Trump administration not to destroy nearly $10 million worth of contraceptives intended for low-income countries. The United Nations and reproductive organizations have offered to handle the supplies, which won't expire for several years, but the State Department plans to destroy them as part of stopping certain programs.
Key Facts
Planned Parenthood and 75 other groups wrote to the Trump administration asking them not to destroy contraceptives.
The supplies are worth about $9.7 million and are for low-income countries.
The United Nations and others have offered to take and distribute the supplies.
The earliest expiration date for these supplies is 2027.
Destroying the supplies would cost $167,000.
The State Department plans to end contracts from the Biden administration for these supplies.
A report says destroying the contraceptives could lead to 362,000 extra unintended pregnancies.
The State Department will not destroy condoms or HIV medications.
