A mining company called Viridis Mining and Minerals wants to supply rare earth materials to the European Union (EU) by 2028. China currently controls most of the world's supply of these important materials, and there are ongoing talks between President Donald Trump and China’s President Xi Jinping to ease China's export restrictions on rare earths.
Key Facts
Rare earth materials are used in many products like cars, wind turbines, and military jets.
China controls about 80-90% of the world's rare earth supply and has export controls that affect global markets.
China implemented export restrictions on rare earths in April 2025, impacting industries in the EU, UK, US, and Japan.
President Donald Trump and President Xi Jinping will meet to discuss these issues and possibly make a deal to ease export controls.
Viridis Mining, with assets in Brazil, Australia, and Canada, is working to provide an alternative rare earth supply to the EU by 2028.
The EU wants to reduce its dependence on China and is seeking new sources of critical raw materials.
China’s lower exchange rate makes its rare earth products cheaper, challenging EU companies to compete without Chinese imports.
EU officials, including trade commissioner Maroš Šefčovič, are involved in talks with China and efforts to diversify supply chains away from China.
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Volunteers across the UK are planting flowers and shrubs at train stations to make them more beautiful and welcoming for people and wildlife. The Royal Horticultural Society created a new award to honor these efforts, with the Cardross Community Organic Garden in Scotland winning this year.
Key Facts
Since 1964, UK towns have planted flowers for the Britain in Bloom competition run by the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS).
The RHS launched a new award to recognize volunteers who green train stations across the UK.
Five stations were shortlisted for their beauty, support for wildlife, and ability to handle climate changes.
Cardross Community Organic Garden in Scotland won, praised for involving many community groups.
Alresford station in Essex created a “dry garden” with drought-resistant plants due to hot, dry summers.
Volunteers at Cardross station grow fruit trees and vegetables, focusing on hardy plants suited to local weather.
Other stations like Maghull and Wylde Green have added woodland areas and pollinator-friendly plants.
These gardening projects have improved stations, making villages more attractive and supporting wildlife like bees and butterflies.
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Brooke Buckley felt something was wrong during her pregnancy, but doctors said tests showed her baby was healthy. After birth, her son Palmer was diagnosed with a rare genetic condition causing severe muscle weakness, requiring him to use breathing and feeding support. Despite early predictions, Palmer has shown progress by age two.
Key Facts
Brooke Buckley noticed less baby movement and felt her pregnancy was different from before.
Doctors said excess amniotic fluid and the baby's position explained her concerns.
Prenatal tests showed no problems, but her baby Palmer measured small and had a low heart rate during scans.
Palmer was born by planned C-section but was floppy, not breathing well, and needed immediate medical help.
He was diagnosed with a rare mutation of the ACTA1 gene, which affects muscle function.
Palmer relies on a ventilator for breathing, a tracheostomy to keep his airway open, and a feeding tube.
The condition impacts muscles, not brain function, so Palmer can still think and learn.
Although doctors predicted Palmer would not gain much movement, he has made progress at two years old.
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Princess Diana’s famous “revenge dress” is being shown in several cities before it is sold at auction in December. The display comes as Diana’s brother, Charles Spencer, prepares to release a new book with critical details about the royal family after Diana’s death, leading to a public disagreement with Buckingham Palace.
Key Facts
The "revenge dress" is a black silk evening gown Diana wore in 1994 after Prince Charles admitted to adultery.
The dress is on display at Sotheby’s in London from September 18-24, then will be shown in Hong Kong, Geneva, and New York in December.
The dress will be auctioned on December 9, with an expected price of up to $300,000.
It is the first time the dress has been auctioned since 1997, when Diana sold many dresses to raise money for charity.
Diana’s brother, Earl Spencer, is releasing a memoir titled *Swan Song: Diana, My Sister* on September 22, containing claims about the royal family’s reactions after Diana’s death.
In the book, Spencer alleges King Charles III was happy after Diana died and planned to move on quickly.
Buckingham Palace responded negatively to these claims with a rare official statement.
Items belonging to Diana, like the car she arrived in wearing the dress, have previously sold for high prices at auctions.
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Ukrainian forces launched over 1,000 drones at Russia, including hundreds aimed at Moscow, causing damage and casualties. This attack happened during Russia’s last day of wartime parliamentary elections, while Ukraine also faced Russian strikes that killed civilians.
Key Facts
Ukraine fired more than 1,000 drones at Russia, including attacks on Moscow.
The attack damaged a Moscow oil refinery and a residential building.
Two people died and 20 were wounded in the Moscow region due to the drone attack.
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy said Ukraine used homegrown missiles and drones to target Russian infrastructure.
Russian drone strikes hit a monastery and residential areas in Ukraine, killing several civilians including children.
Russia held parliamentary elections during the conflict, including in areas it annexed from Ukraine, which Kyiv calls illegal.
Russia claimed to have shot down 1,110 Ukrainian drones in various regions including Crimea.
The U.S. approved a $2.68 billion sale of air defense equipment to Ukraine, and President Trump signed new sanctions against Russia.
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The United States, Denmark, and Greenland have reached a new security agreement for Greenland, aiming to protect Greenland’s territorial rights and enhance U.S. military presence. The deal may grant the U.S. more formal control over foreign military activities in Greenland, although many of these rights already existed under earlier agreements.
Key Facts
The agreement involves the U.S., Denmark, and Greenland, focusing on Greenland’s security and sovereignty.
It moves the dispute into diplomatic channels, focusing on law, investment, and security policy.
Under the new deal, the U.S. claims it has an “infinite life” agreement, not tied to NATO’s existence like the previous 1951 agreement.
The agreement may give the U.S. formal veto power over foreign military bases or sensitive investments in Greenland.
Greenland hosted many U.S. military bases during the Cold War; now only one base, Pituffik Space Base, remains.
Denmark has prevented Chinese companies from investing in Greenland in recent years due to security concerns.
The new deal may reduce the need for Danish intervention by formalizing U.S. control on certain matters.
The deal reportedly will have “no cost” to the United States, though this claim is met with some skepticism.
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Chiltern Railways, a train company that was private for 30 years, has been taken back into government control as part of the Great British Railways program. The change aims to add more daily trains, increase seats, and improve service for passengers on routes between London and nearby regions.
Key Facts
Chiltern Railways was privatized in 1996 and has now become publicly owned.
It serves areas including Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire, Warwickshire, and the West Midlands.
The government will add 25 extra trains daily starting in December to reduce overcrowding.
Increased services include trains every 30 minutes between London and Birmingham on weekdays.
Passengers can use other train operators' services for free if their train is canceled, within a two-hour window before or after.
New trains will have better accessibility and improved Wi-Fi.
The Great British Railways plan aims to bring all passenger rail services under public ownership by 2027.
Great Western Railway is the next company scheduled for public ownership, starting 13 December.
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Regional elections are happening in Berlin and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, Germany. These votes are important for Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who is preparing for possible consequences and has postponed attending the UN General Assembly to focus on the results.
Key Facts
Two regional elections are taking place in Berlin and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania.
These elections are a test for Chancellor Friedrich Merz and his center-right government.
Merz has called a crisis meeting to discuss the election outcomes.
He has decided not to attend this week's United Nations General Assembly.
The election results might affect Merz’s position as Chancellor.
Germany’s far-right party, AfD, is also a key factor in these elections.
These votes show how different political parties, including the far right, are performing in Germany.
The outcome could influence Germany’s political direction in coming months.
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Ukraine launched a large drone attack on Russia, with over 1,000 drones fired at various targets. The attack caused damage to an oil refinery near Moscow and resulted in two deaths in the Moscow region.
Key Facts
Ukraine carried out a major drone attack on Russia, described by Moscow as the largest ever on its capital.
Over 1,000 drones were used in the attack.
The attack hit an oil refinery near Moscow, causing fires and damage.
Two people died in the Moscow region due to the drone strikes.
Russia is holding its first wartime parliamentary election during this period.
The drone attack occurred despite the ongoing election voting in Russia.
The attack is part of the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
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Turkiye has offered to help Saudi Arabia with military support amid rising attacks by Yemen’s Houthis. This offer comes after Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, and Pakistan signed the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement, which commits them to defend each other if attacked.
Key Facts
Saudi Arabia faces increasing missile and drone attacks from Yemen’s Houthi group targeting cities and energy facilities.
Turkiye’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said Turkiye is ready to provide military and technical support to Saudi Arabia under the Mecca Defence Agreement.
The Mecca Defence Agreement treats an attack on any of the three member countries—Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, or Pakistan—as an attack on all three.
The agreement was signed by the three countries last month and includes setting up a secretariat in Riyadh led by a Pakistani official.
The conflict is part of wider regional tensions linked to the US-Israeli war on Iran.
Control of the Red Sea by Houthis threatens global energy routes, especially Saudi oil exports.
Analysts say allied countries are preparing coordinated responses including land, sea, and air capabilities.
Some experts note no country including Pakistan, Turkiye, Egypt, or the US has committed to direct military action yet.
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Nine women were found murdered near Johannesburg, South Africa, sparking widespread protests and calls for the government to act against violence targeting women. Vigils and public gatherings took place as people expressed anger over the high rate of killings in the country.
Key Facts
Nine women were discovered dead in eastern Johannesburg.
South Africa has a high murder rate, with over 60 homicides recorded daily.
These nine murders caused strong reactions and shock among the population.
Thousands of people held vigils, group runs, and moments of silence to honor the victims.
Protesters demand the government increase efforts to stop violence against women.
The killings are part of a larger problem of gender-based violence and femicide in South Africa.
The events received coverage highlighting ongoing human rights issues related to sexism and violence.
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English singer Ed Sheeran began his tour without opening act Macklemore, who was dropped after making pro-Palestinian comments during a show. The Gaza conflict was described by Sheeran as catastrophic, and some other support acts also left the tour to show their support for Palestinians.
Key Facts
Ed Sheeran canceled Macklemore as his opening act after Macklemore made pro-Palestinian remarks on stage.
Macklemore's removal caused controversy and led several other support acts to quit the tour.
Those acts cited their support for Palestinians as their reason for leaving.
Ed Sheeran called the war in Gaza catastrophic during his concert.
Some fans tried to sell their tickets while others supported Sheeran at the show.
The issue is related to the ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip involving Israel and Palestinians.
The situation links to wider political topics including Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Hamas.
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A fire broke out in the basement of the Grand Burstin Hotel in Folkestone, causing the evacuation of about 280 people. Authorities are concerned the fire weakened the building's structure, and they are investigating the blaze as suspicious.
Key Facts
The fire started early Saturday morning in the hotel's basement.
About 280 people, including hotel guests and nearby residents, were evacuated for safety.
90 residents from nearby Pavilion Court were relocated to hotels due to structural concerns.
26 fire engines responded to the blaze; one remained to monitor the scene on Sunday morning.
Officials worry the fire damaged the building’s structure, so safety inspections are ongoing.
Kent Police is treating the fire as suspicious and asking for witnesses.
The local council set up a welfare center and local businesses helped evacuees with food and shelter.
Britannia Hotels Group, which owns the hotel, is cooperating with police and focusing on guest and staff safety.
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The US and Denmark have agreed on a deal about Greenland’s security after a disagreement caused by President Donald Trump’s threat to take control of Greenland. Denmark will keep sovereignty over Greenland, and the US will be allowed to build a strong military presence on the island while stopping other countries from making military bases there.
Key Facts
The deal involves Greenland’s security between the US and Denmark.
President Donald Trump had previously threatened to take over Greenland.
Denmark will continue to have control over Greenland.
The US will be able to develop a large military presence on the island.
The deal aims to prevent other countries from setting up military bases in Greenland.
The exact terms of the agreement have not been fully shared.
Greenland is a semi-autonomous territory, meaning it has some self-government but is part of the Kingdom of Denmark.
The security agreement is likely connected to NATO and concerns about military influence in the region.
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Houthi rebels from Yemen launched missiles and drones targeting Riyadh, Saudi Arabia’s capital, for the first time, causing a fire near the city’s main airport. The fighting continues as the Houthis advance eastward against forces backed by Saudi Arabia in Yemen.
Key Facts
The Houthi rebels are supported by Iran.
They launched missiles and drones early on Saturday targeting Riyadh.
A fire broke out near Riyadh’s main airport after the attack.
The Houthis are pushing east in Yemen against Saudi-backed government forces.
This marks the first direct attack by the Houthis on Saudi Arabia’s capital.
The conflict has caused displacement of over 112,000 people in Yemen recently.
The ongoing fighting links to broader regional tensions involving Iran, Saudi Arabia, and other countries.
U.S. officials have reportedly met with Houthis in Oman, while President Trump has declined to support Saudi Arabia explicitly.
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Hundreds of people protested in Buenos Aires, Argentina, against President Javier Milei’s economic policies. They are upset about spending cuts, rising debt, and want higher wages and more public services.
Key Facts
The protests happened in Argentina’s capital, Buenos Aires.
Demonstrators called their event the "March of Anger."
The protests were in response to President Javier Milei’s austerity measures.
Austerity means the government is cutting spending to try to fix the economy.
Many people are worried about household debt increasing.
Protesters demand higher wages and more public spending to help citizens.
The protests reflect growing public anger over recent economic changes.
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Two regions in eastern Germany, Berlin and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, are holding state elections where the far-right party AfD hopes to win more support. This comes two weeks after the AfD won a major regional election for the first time in Germany.
Key Facts
The AfD (Alternative for Germany) is a far-right political party in Germany.
Two elections are happening in Berlin (the capital) and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania (a rural state).
The AfD recently won its first big regional election in Germany.
The elections took place on Sunday, 20 September 2026.
Berlin and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania are in eastern Germany.
Friedrich Merz, a leading politician, is supporting his party’s candidate Stefan Evers in Berlin.
Polls opened on the morning of the election day.
These elections are seen as important for Germany’s political landscape.
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Nawaf Obaid, a senior researcher at King’s College London, said Saudi Arabia will have a large and organized reaction to attacks by the Houthi group from Yemen. This response will involve Saudi Arabia working together with its coalition partners.
Key Facts
Nawaf Obaid is a Senior Research Fellow at King’s College London.
He spoke to the news outlet Al Jazeera about Saudi Arabia's plans.
Saudi Arabia faced attacks from the Houthi group based in Yemen.
Saudi Arabia plans a significant response to these attacks.
The response will be organized and done together with coalition allies.
The coalition partners are countries working with Saudi Arabia in this conflict.
The Houthi group is an armed group involved in the Yemen conflict.
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A family in Kent is facing financial difficulties while caring for their 13-year-old daughter, Maya, who has neuroblastoma, a rare childhood cancer. Maya’s illness and disability have caused the parents to work less or stop working, leading to worries about paying bills and keeping their home.
Key Facts
Maya was diagnosed with neuroblastoma at age 3 and relapsed in 2023 after five years in remission.
Neuroblastoma mainly affects children under five, with about 100 new UK cases yearly.
Maya developed a brain injury during a clinical trial for CAR T-cell therapy in 2025, causing severe disability.
Maya’s father left his job to care for her full-time, and her mother reduced work hours.
The family struggles to afford mortgage and bills on a reduced income.
Charity Young Lives vs Cancer reports families with sick children face around £700 extra costs monthly and lose about £6,000 in income yearly.
Financial support like disability benefits and carer's allowance exists but can take time to receive.
The family continues to focus on caring for Maya while managing financial stress.
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A UK minister said that President Donald Trump’s military actions against Iran are making it harder for the UK government to prepare next month’s budget. Despite political disagreements, UK leaders plan to maintain strong relations with the US while addressing challenges like inflation caused partly by the conflict.
Key Facts
President Donald Trump has been involved in a military conflict with Iran, which has disrupted world oil supplies.
This disruption has increased inflation in the UK, adding pressure on the government budget.
Bridget Phillipson, UK minister for women and equalities, stated the conflict will make the upcoming budget plan more difficult.
The UK has chosen not to get involved in the conflict, which officials believe was the right decision.
Andy Burnham, the UK prime minister, and President Trump are expected to meet at the UN summit in New York.
Despite past critical comments about President Trump by Andy Burnham, UK leaders aim to keep strong US-UK relations.
Inflation in the UK has risen to 3.1%, impacting businesses and families.
Phillipson dismissed concerns raised by a billionaire critic about the UK’s immigration and tax policies, noting his tax residency in Monaco.
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