More than 1,000 children have died in a large measles outbreak in Bangladesh, with thousands of new cases still reported daily despite a vaccination campaign. The outbreak began rising in March 2024 and has overwhelmed hospitals, with many cases among unvaccinated children and infants.
Key Facts
Over 1,000 children have died from measles in Bangladesh's recent outbreak.
About 19.8 million children have been vaccinated, but roughly 1,000 new cases appear daily.
Since March 2024, there have been over 194,000 reported measles cases in the country.
Bangladesh had made progress against measles before the outbreak surged earlier this year.
Factors like crowded population, COVID-19 disruptions, and vaccine delays contributed to the outbreak.
UNICEF says a vaccine ordering delay by the interim government increased risks of shortages.
Most measles cases (83%) are in unvaccinated children; infants under 6 months are also vulnerable.
Hospitals are overwhelmed, with some running at double capacity due to the outbreak.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The U.S. State Department said it will keep its visa ban on Palestinian Authority and Palestine Liberation Organization officials, including President Mahmoud Abbas, stopping him from traveling to the U.N. General Assembly in New York. The U.S. government said the ban is because the Palestinians did not change their actions and continued behaviors the U.S. sees as harmful to peace efforts.
Key Facts
The U.S. will extend visa restrictions on officials from the Palestinian Authority (PA) and the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO).
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas will not be allowed to travel to the U.N. General Assembly in New York for the second year in a row.
The U.S. says the Palestinians failed to reform and acted against commitments made to the U.S.
The U.S. accuses the PA of seeking international recognition outside direct talks with Israel and of paying people labeled as attackers by the U.S. and Israel.
Palestinian officials at the U.N. mission can still work under a special waiver, but individual leaders cannot enter the U.S.
Abbas’s planned speech was expected to call for more support for a two-state solution and highlight problems in Gaza and Israeli settlements in the West Bank.
Israeli officials do not face similar U.S. travel restrictions, even though the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over alleged war crimes.
Critics say the U.S. visa bans violate rules that should allow U.N. invitees to enter the U.S. and that the bans harm peace efforts by targeting Palestinians but not Israelis.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Fighting between Yemeni government forces backed by a Saudi-led coalition and Iran-backed Houthi fighters has increased. The US supports Yemen’s government but does not plan to get directly involved, while also holding talks with the Houthis to reduce tensions.
Key Facts
The US supports Yemen’s internationally recognized government.
The Saudi-led coalition has attacked Houthi positions near Mocha.
Yemeni government forces launched drone strikes on the Houthis in Marib.
Houthis claimed to shoot down a Saudi F-15 fighter jet over Marib using a local missile.
Saudi Arabia is running low on missile interceptors and has asked allies like France, Pakistan, Egypt, and the UK for air-defense help.
The US held talks with Houthi representatives in Oman, where Houthis said they would not attack US ships and want to respect a 2025 ceasefire.
The Houthis attacked Saudi targets including the Khamis Mushait airbase and an oil facility in Yanbu.
Fighting is ongoing in key provinces including Taiz, Marib, and Hodeidah.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft said singer Ed Sheeran asked him to match a $2 million donation to help people in a conflict area. This came after musician Macklemore, who was removed from Sheeran’s tour for promoting "Free Palestine" messages, also urged Kraft to give money for humanitarian aid.
Key Facts
Robert Kraft owns the New England Patriots football team.
Ed Sheeran asked Kraft to match a $2 million donation to aid a region affected by conflict.
Macklemore was removed from Ed Sheeran’s tour for promoting “Free Palestine” messages.
Macklemore also asked Kraft to donate money to help humanitarian efforts.
Kraft made a public statement about these donation requests on a Wednesday.
The donations aim to provide humanitarian aid in the region involved in the Israel-Palestine conflict.
Kraft’s response to these requests highlights attention on supporting people affected by the conflict.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The United States has refused to grant a visa to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, preventing him from attending the UN General Assembly in New York. The US government said it is denying visas to Palestinian officials because they have not met commitments and have taken actions that hurt peace efforts.
Key Facts
The US has denied a visa to Mahmoud Abbas for the UN General Assembly.
The State Department said visas are denied to members of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) and Palestinian Authority (PA).
The US cites failures to reform and activities that undermine peace between Israelis and Palestinians.
The US accuses Palestinian groups of seeking international actions that bypass negotiations, such as going to the International Criminal Court.
The US also opposes payments to people involved in terrorism made by Palestinian authorities.
This visa denial follows a similar action by the Trump administration last year.
Many countries, including France, support recognizing a Palestinian state at the UN.
The decision occurs amid rising violence in the West Bank involving Israeli settlers and Palestinians.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Morocco is holding parliamentary elections on September 23, 2026, with 27 parties competing for 395 seats. The election is important not only for forming the government but also for testing how much citizens, especially young people, trust and engage with the political system amid economic challenges.
Key Facts
The parliamentary election campaign started on September 10, 2026.
More than 15.8 million Moroccans are registered to vote.
Young people (18-35 years old) show low trust in Parliament and political parties but are active in social media and protests.
Morocco’s 2011 constitution defines it as a parliamentary monarchy, where the king appoints the head of government from the winning party.
Voters aged 18-24 make up only 4% of registered voters, while those aged 60+ make up 29%.
Youth unemployment was about 37.3% in 2025, according to the IMF.
Economic problems have led to social unrest, illustrated by a large group crossing into Spanish territory in July 2026.
The election outcome will show how well the political system addresses issues like jobs and economic opportunity.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Robert Kraft, owner of Gillette Stadium, had rapper Macklemore removed as Ed Sheeran’s opening act, citing hate speech concerns. After Macklemore offered to donate $1 million to Palestinian groups, Sheeran asked Kraft to donate $2 million to aid efforts in the region. Several other support acts quit the tour in support of Macklemore, raising issues about free speech.
Key Facts
Robert Kraft owns Gillette Stadium and had Macklemore removed as an opening act for Ed Sheeran’s US tour.
Kraft accused Macklemore of hate speech and a history of antisemitic statements, which Macklemore denies.
Macklemore showed support for Palestine and expressed pro-Palestinian views during Sheeran’s concerts.
Macklemore pledged to donate $1 million to six Palestinian organizations from his tour earnings.
Ed Sheeran said the decision to drop Macklemore was made by promoters, not him.
Sheeran asked Kraft to donate $2 million to help aid efforts in the region, matching Macklemore’s donation.
Other support acts for Sheeran’s tour quit in solidarity with Macklemore, citing free speech concerns.
Kraft stated he has supported initiatives to create business opportunities for Palestinians and Israelis and promotes protecting all lives.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Heavy rain caused floods in Valencia, Spain, leading to rescue operations and travel problems. This happened two years after a serious flood disaster in October 2024 that killed more than 220 people in the same area.
Key Facts
Torrential rain caused flooding in Valencia, Spain.
Rescues were carried out to help those affected by the floods.
The floods caused major travel disruptions in the region.
The flooding occurred two years after a deadly flood disaster in October 2024.
The 2024 flood killed over 220 people in Valencia province.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
UK prosecutors have formally asked the US to send Andrew and Tristan Tate back to the UK to face charges including rape and sex trafficking. The brothers, who are in US jail, deny the accusations, and their lawyer says the extradition request is incomplete and will be challenged.
Key Facts
Andrew Tate (39) and Tristan Tate (38) face 59 charges in the UK, including rape, sex trafficking, and offenses involving indecent images.
The charges cover alleged crimes from 2010 to 2017.
The brothers have been held in jail in Florida since their arrest in July 2024.
The UK first filed 21 charges and added 38 more in July 2024.
The US State Department will check if the extradition request meets legal requirements under the US-UK treaty.
Their lawyer claims key documents to support extradition have not been provided and plans to contest the request.
If approved, the case will go through the US Justice Department and courts before extradition can happen.
The brothers hold both US and British citizenship and have lived mainly in Romania since 2017.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The US House passed a large sanctions package targeting Russian officials and key parts of Russia's economy to limit President Vladimir Putin’s ability to finance the war in Ukraine. Explosions were reported in Kyiv overnight as Russian air strikes caused injuries and damage in Kyiv and Odesa. The bill now awaits President Donald Trump’s signature to become law.
Key Facts
The US House of Representatives approved broad sanctions against Russia with a 262-159 vote.
The sanctions target Russian officials, banks, and a secret fleet of tankers moving Russian energy.
The bill requires President Trump to impose tariffs on the top five importers of Russian oil or gas, with some exceptions.
Explosions from Russian air strikes injured 13 people and damaged buildings in Kyiv and Odesa.
Kyiv authorities issued a missile alert and warned residents to take shelter.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy supported the new sanctions and directly appealed to US senators.
The sanctions bill is named after late Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina.
The legislation is the biggest US effort to help Ukraine since President Trump returned to office in 2024.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
This documentary explores the complicated relationship between Australia and China. It looks at how Australia depends on China for trade but also relies on the United States for security, creating a mix of cooperation and tension.
Key Facts
Australia and China signed a free trade agreement 11 years ago.
Australia's economy relies heavily on trade with China.
Australia depends on the United States for military and security support.
Relations between Australia and China have become more tense in recent years.
The documentary features views from business people, diplomats, and military personnel.
The term "frenemy" is used to describe the mixed relationship between the two countries.
The program is produced by Pod60 for BBC World Service.
The documentary is about 26 minutes long and was released on September 17, 2026.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The US and Yemen’s Houthi group have made a secret agreement where the Houthis will let US ships pass freely through the Red Sea. In return, the US will not get involved directly in the war led by Saudi Arabia in Yemen.
Key Facts
The Houthis are a group fighting in Yemen’s ongoing conflict.
They control parts of Yemen’s coast along the Red Sea.
The Houthis agreed to let US ships have free access to the Red Sea.
The deal is secret and reported by US sources.
The US agreed not to take direct military action in the Saudi-led war in Yemen.
This agreement happened during a Houthi military push along the Red Sea coast.
The Red Sea is an important shipping route for international trade.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Fiji has declared a national health emergency due to a large increase in HIV infections, partly linked to rising methamphetamine drug use. The government and health groups plan to respond with new programs to improve testing, treatment, and clean needle access.
Key Facts
Fiji’s health minister declared a national HIV emergency recognizing a serious epidemic.
One in every 60 adults in Fiji now has HIV, compared to one in 167 five years ago.
In 2025, Fiji recorded 2,060 new HIV diagnoses, with one in 50 pregnant women infected.
New HIV infections in Fiji grew 12 times between 2010 and 2025, one of the fastest rises globally.
Methamphetamine use and unsafe drug injecting are driving much of the HIV spread.
Over half of HIV cases come from sexual transmission; more than 42% are linked to injecting drug use.
Only 39% of people living with HIV in Fiji know their status, and only 22% receive treatment.
Fiji plans to introduce a needle and syringe program and increase efforts in testing and treatment access.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
British Prime Minister Andy Burnham and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney met to discuss cooperation on defence and the risks of artificial intelligence (AI). They agreed that governments and tech companies need to work together to keep people safe online and handle AI challenges.
Key Facts
Burnham and Carney had their first meeting focused on defence and AI cooperation.
They emphasized the need for partnerships between governments and the tech sector to ensure online safety.
Both the UK and Canada lack specific laws dedicated to regulating AI at this time.
The UK uses a flexible, sector-based approach to AI regulation instead of new laws.
Canada’s AI law was paused in 2025 due to parliamentary suspension, leaving privacy laws and voluntary codes in place.
Defence talks included discussions about a military financing bank and Canada’s participation in UK-led defence groups.
Canada is seeking closer ties with Europe and may become the EU’s first associate member.
The meeting included an informal event where both leaders watched a football match in Liverpool.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
President Donald Trump criticized the European Union’s plan to offer Canada associate membership and threatened to impose heavy tariffs or stop trade with Europe. The EU proposed closer cooperation with Canada on issues like technology, defense, and energy amid shifting global alliances.
Key Facts
President Trump called the EU’s offer to Canada to become an associate member “laughable.”
Trump suggested possible “very serious tariffs” or ending trade with Europe in response.
The European Commission invited Canada to join as its first associate member, signaling closer ties.
Canada and the EU already have a trade deal but want to expand cooperation on tech, defense, and energy.
Canada applied to join the British-led Joint Expeditionary Force, a military partnership with 10 NATO countries.
EU leaders emphasize deepening relationships with democracies as global rules face challenges.
The EU’s associate membership category is new and its details and effects are unclear.
Cooperation areas mentioned include AI, cyber security, critical minerals, batteries, and Arctic projects.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Israel and Morocco have agreed to open embassies in each other's countries after talks involving their foreign ministers and the US ambassador to the United Nations in New York. This step follows the 2020 Abraham Accords, which established diplomatic relations between Israel and several Arab states, including Morocco.
Key Facts
Israel and Morocco decided to open embassies in each other's countries.
The decision came after a meeting between their foreign ministers and the US ambassador to the UN.
The two countries first established ties in 2020 under the US-led Abraham Accords.
Both countries committed to upgrading their diplomatic relations and appointing ambassadors.
They plan to finalize several economic agreements by the end of the year.
High-level visits between Israel and Morocco are expected in the coming months.
The statements did not specify when the embassies will officially open.
The US sees the diplomatic ties as beneficial for peace between the two countries.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The Australian Labor government has dropped plans to limit veterans’ allied health services to $5,000 after facing strong criticism from politicians, veterans, and advocacy groups. Veterans Affairs Minister Matt Keogh announced the change following concerns raised about the proposed cap’s impact on veterans’ care.
Key Facts
Labor planned to set a $5,000 limit on allied health services for defense veterans starting July 1, 2027.
The government reversed the decision after pressure from opposition, veterans, and Senator Jacqui Lambie.
Veterans Affairs Minister Matt Keogh said the government listened to veterans’ concerns and removed the cap proposal.
Senator Jacqui Lambie had spoken publicly about how the cap could harm veterans, sharing her own health struggles.
Opposition leader Angus Taylor criticized the policy and called for Minister Keogh to be removed.
Veterans and advocacy groups said the cap would especially hurt the most injured veterans.
The government had planned the cap to reduce paperwork, allowing veterans to apply for extra help if needed.
Veterans Affairs Minister Keogh received thanks from veterans and groups for reversing the decision.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Photos and reports show that U.S. military bases in the Middle East have suffered heavy damage from Iranian attacks since the war began in February 2026. Hundreds of buildings and structures were damaged, and repairing the damage will take many years. The war has also caused the deaths of 18 American service members and wounded over 800.
Key Facts
The war started on February 28, 2026, between the U.S. and Iran.
Iranian attacks damaged U.S. bases in Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, UAE, Iraq, Oman, and Jordan.
An internal Pentagon report found hundreds of buildings and structures were damaged.
Repairing the damage is expected to take decades.
Since the war began, 18 U.S. service members have died and 824 have been wounded.
The war has cost about $33 to $38 billion, according to government estimates.
Photos show damaged buildings and aircraft, including at Camp Arifjan in Kuwait and Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia.
The Pentagon has taken steps to protect personnel by moving them from bases that are vulnerable to attacks.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The U.S. is urgently investigating cyberattacks on oil tankers heading to the country. Officials are examining if Iran may have been involved in these attacks.
Key Facts
The investigation focuses on cyberattacks against oil tankers bound for the U.S.
U.S. authorities are exploring Iran's possible role in these attacks.
The attacks raised immediate concerns about the security of oil shipments.
The investigation is ongoing and considered urgent.
The affected tankers are carrying oil supplies important to the U.S.
Details about the attack methods or damage have not been fully disclosed.
This issue is part of broader concerns about cybersecurity in international shipping.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The Brevard County Zoo in Melbourne, Florida, has welcomed a new baby giraffe. The giraffe, about six feet tall at birth, took its first steps with help from its mother.
Key Facts
The zoo is located in Melbourne, Florida.
A baby giraffe was recently born there.
The newborn giraffe is about six feet tall.
The mother giraffe helped the baby take its first steps.
The event was shared by David Muir, a news anchor.
This story highlights a new addition to the zoo’s animal family.
The article includes a video showing the baby giraffe’s first steps.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
