Ed Sheeran removed rapper Macklemore from his North American tour after Macklemore spoke in support of Palestine at a concert. Venue owners, including Robert Kraft, opposed Macklemore’s appearance because of his political comments, leading to his removal by the tour promoter.
Key Facts
Macklemore gave a speech at a concert saying “Free Palestine” and expressing support for people in Gaza and the West Bank.
The owners of some tour venues, including Robert Kraft, who supports Israel, objected to Macklemore performing.
The tour promoter decided to remove Macklemore from the remaining eight tour dates.
Macklemore released a statement maintaining his support for Palestine and explaining his political activism.
Ed Sheeran stated he respects Macklemore as an artist but said the promoter and venues made the final decision to remove him.
Sheeran expressed sadness about the Israel-Palestine conflict and said he tried to mediate between the parties involved.
Sheeran clarified he did not decide to drop Macklemore and emphasized his commitment to the fans and tour staff.
The Israeli American Council petitioned for Macklemore’s removal after his political remarks.
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The United States has confirmed it has weapons in space that can defend against enemy attacks. China and Russia responded by warning against the weaponization and militarization of space, calling for it to remain free of weapons.
Key Facts
The U.S. Air Force confirmed deploying "on-orbit space control weapons" to defend against threats from space.
The U.S. did not reveal specific details about the weapons or how they work.
China warned against turning space into a battlefield or starting an arms race there.
Russia called for space to remain free of weapons and supports efforts to demilitarize space.
The U.S. sees China and Russia as threats in space due to their military space programs.
The U.S. Space Force was created in 2019 under President Donald Trump.
Non-kinetic space weapons could include lasers, electromagnetic jamming, or cyberattacks on satellites.
The militarization of space has been ongoing since the Cold War, involving the U.S., Russia, China, and India.
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Two army officers are on trial because they did not handle a young soldier’s sexual assault complaint properly. The soldier, Jaysley Beck, later took her own life after reporting that a senior officer touched her inappropriately.
Key Facts
Jaysley Beck, aged 19, reported being touched on the leg by a warrant officer during a training event.
Col Samantha Shepherd allegedly misreported Beck’s complaint, saying there was no physical contact.
Maj James Hook doubted Beck’s claim and thought she might just want to leave the training.
Both officers deny wrongdoing, claiming they did not act against military discipline.
Beck was found upset and sleeping in her car after a social event, and she shared her concern with a colleague.
Beck feared the consequences of making a formal complaint.
The court was told Shepherd may have tried to hide details to avoid a police investigation.
The trial includes a military panel who were instructed to ignore public opinions about sexual misconduct.
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A Paris court gave Kim Kardashian 1 euro in compensation after an armed robbery targeting her in 2016. Eight people involved in the robbery were found guilty, but none returned to prison due to time already served.
Key Facts
Kim Kardashian was robbed in her Paris hotel room in October 2016 during Fashion Week.
Thieves, some in their 60s and 70s, posed as police and stole over $6 million in jewelry.
Kardashian asked for only 1 euro in damages and received that amount from the court.
A former hotel receptionist, also affected by the robbery, was awarded over 109,000 euros.
The hotel received 50,000 euros in damages for the incident.
None of the robbers went back to prison because they had already spent time in detention before the trial.
Kardashian said the event was very frightening but expressed support for justice and healing.
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Jessie Willis, a woman who took the contraceptive pill for 15 years, stopped using it and experienced unexpected changes like severe acne, irregular periods, and a diagnosis of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Experts explain that the pill can hide certain symptoms by controlling hormones, so stopping it can reveal issues that were already there.
Key Facts
Jessie Willis took the contraceptive pill from her teens until age 33.
After stopping the pill, she had worse skin, irregular menstrual cycles, and was diagnosed with PCOS.
The contraceptive pill suppresses ovulation and hormone fluctuation, making periods more regular and reducing symptoms like acne.
When women stop taking the pill, their natural hormone patterns return, which can reveal underlying conditions like PCOS.
PCOS symptoms include irregular periods, elevated male hormones (androgens), and acne.
The pill does not cause PCOS but can mask its symptoms while being taken.
Willis struggled with self-confidence due to skin problems after stopping the pill.
Many women expect positive changes after stopping hormonal contraception, but experiences can vary.
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Israeli directors Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor, creators of the documentary NAZA, face threats of citizenship revocation from Israel’s culture minister, who accused them of treason. The film, which reveals details about Israeli military attacks on Gaza, has received international support from major film festivals and industry leaders defending artistic freedom.
Key Facts
NAZA is a documentary by Israeli directors Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor that explores Israeli airstrikes on Gaza using AI-powered targeting systems.
The film won the special jury prize at the 2025 Venice Film Festival, receiving a record 25-minute standing ovation.
Israel’s culture minister, Miki Zohar, called the directors traitors and said he would act to revoke their Israeli citizenship.
The documentary includes interviews with 24 Israeli soldiers and intelligence officers about the Gaza bombings.
Leading film festivals such as Telluride, Locarno, San Sebastián, Bologna, New York, and Berlin have supported the filmmakers and emphasized the importance of artistic freedom.
NAZA builds on earlier investigative reports published by The Guardian and other media outlets from 2023 to 2025.
The directors previously won a 2025 documentary Oscar for a film about Israeli settler violence.
There have been threats and attacks against the filmmakers and their families in the past due to their work.
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Bristol has become the first city in the UK to ban advertising for fast fashion, SUVs, airlines, cruises, and fossil fuels on council-owned advertising spaces. This move is part of the city’s efforts to reduce pollution and support environmental health and sustainability.
Key Facts
Bristol city council passed the ban with an 8-1 vote.
The ban applies to council-owned advertising spaces like billboards, bus stops, print, and online ads.
Previously, Bristol banned junk food ads in 2021, making it the first council outside London to do so.
The ban covers fast fashion, SUVs, airlines, cruises, and fossil fuels due to their impact on pollution and climate change.
The city’s Green party leads the council, with Carla Denyer elected as MP in 2024.
83% of Bristol residents are concerned about climate change, according to a recent survey.
Other UK cities like Sheffield, Edinburgh, Cardiff, and Portsmouth also have some restrictions on ads for polluting products.
The group Adfree Cities has campaigned for these types of bans and is encouraging national adoption of similar advertising restrictions.
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Alexander Ovechkin, a star hockey player for the Washington Capitals, appeared in a campaign video for Russia’s ruling United Russia Party. The video supports the party ahead of Russia’s parliamentary elections and features officials close to President Vladimir Putin.
Key Facts
Alexander Ovechkin is a hockey player and captain of the NHL team Washington Capitals.
He appeared in a political advertisement for the United Russia Party.
United Russia is the party that supports President Vladimir Putin in Russia.
The video was made before Russia’s upcoming parliamentary elections.
Ovechkin was seen standing near important Russian officials, including the Foreign Minister.
The ad aims to promote the United Russia Party to voters.
Ovechkin’s presence links a sports figure with political messaging in Russia.
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The U.S. has confirmed it has deployed a weapon in Earth’s orbit to protect its forces against threats. This announcement marks the first public acknowledgment of such space weapons by the U.S. and raises concerns about a growing arms race in space with Russia and China.
Key Facts
The U.S. Secretary of the Air Force announced the deployment of an "on-orbit" weapon at a security conference.
This weapon is intended to defend U.S. forces from hostile actions in space.
A 1967 treaty bans weapons of mass destruction in orbit, but countries explore other types of space weapons not covered by the treaty.
The U.S. has kept details about its space weapons secret until this announcement.
President Trump signed an executive order emphasizing the Space Force’s role in offense and defense in space.
Possible U.S. space weapons include those that can destroy or disrupt satellites or interfere with their operations using energy weapons.
China and Russia are known to be developing counterspace capabilities to challenge U.S. space assets.
The U.S. describes these developments by China and Russia as threats to its military advantage in space.
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King Charles III sent a letter stating that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are "private citizens" and are no longer working royals. This caused some tension but may help the couple have more privacy and legal protection as private individuals.
Key Facts
King Charles asked the Royal Household to inform officials that Harry and Meghan are not working royals and their royal titles (“HRH”) are not in use.
The letter described the couple as private citizens with commercial and charity interests.
Harry and Meghan were surprised by the timing of the letter and preferred the term "public figures".
Uganda initially withdrew its armed forces from the Invictus Games citing the wording but later reversed the decision after a call from the King’s private secretary.
A security expert said being called private citizens means Harry and Meghan have the right to privacy like any private person under UK law.
Meghan won a 2019 privacy lawsuit against The Mail on Sunday for publishing a private letter.
The King’s letter clarifies that the couple is not supported by taxpayers like senior royals.
The couple’s police protection status remains uncertain.
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Season 35 of "Dancing With the Stars" premiered on September 15 and 16, 2026, featuring a new group of celebrity contestants paired with professional dancers. The show held a special two-night premiere with male celebrities dancing on the first night and female celebrities on the second, where a double elimination took place, sending two celebrities home right away.
Key Facts
The show’s 35th season aired on ABC and streamed on Disney+ on September 15 and 16, 2026.
Male celebrity contestants performed on the first night, and female celebrity contestants performed on the second.
Each couple danced to a No. 1 song from the celebrity’s birth year.
Two celebrities were eliminated during the premiere—a male contestant after night one and a female contestant after night two.
New professional dancers Adele Zaikman and Hailey Bills joined the show this season.
Adele Zaikman won a previous competition called "Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro."
Longtime professional dancer Sharna Burgess returned after last competing in 2021.
Viewers can watch the live shows on ABC and Disney+, vote during the live broadcasts, and stream episodes the next day on Hulu.
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Gillian Gilbert, keyboard player for the band New Order, announced she is currently receiving treatment for cancer. She clarified that her husband and bandmate Stephen Morris is not seriously ill, correcting earlier misunderstandings.
Key Facts
Gillian Gilbert is 65 years old and a founding member of New Order.
She made the announcement on Instagram to correct mistaken reports about her husband’s health.
Gilbert has been treated for breast cancer before, in 2007.
She took a break from the band to care for her children, including a daughter with a disability.
Gilbert has contributed to New Order albums from their debut to 2015’s Music Complete.
New Order will tour South America in November without Gilbert and Morris, who will be replaced by other musicians.
The band will be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in November.
Gilbert asked for privacy as she continues her cancer treatment.
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Ed Sheeran said he did not decide to remove rapper Macklemore from his US tour; the tour promoters made that decision after Macklemore made pro-Palestinian statements during shows in New Jersey. Macklemore's comments caused criticism from Jewish groups, leading venues to pressure tour promoters to drop him.
Key Facts
Macklemore spoke in support of Palestine during concerts in New Jersey, showing pro-Palestinian messages and videos.
His statements upset some Jewish groups who criticized him and pushed for his removal from the tour.
Ed Sheeran said he tried to find a solution with the venues but the promoters removed Macklemore.
Macklemore’s contract was with the promoters, not Ed Sheeran himself.
Sheeran said he does not use his music platform for political issues to keep concerts a safe space for fans of all ages and backgrounds.
Macklemore addressed the audience later to clarify his criticism is against policies, not Jewish people.
The conflict relates to a larger ongoing fight between Israel and Hamas in Gaza and Israel’s military actions after attacks in October 2023.
Casualty numbers from the conflict have been high on both sides, with varying reports from involved parties.
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The Pentagon informed Congress that the war against Iran has cost more than $42 billion so far, which is $4.5 billion more than the last official estimate. This update was given about six months after the conflict began.
Key Facts
The war against Iran has cost over $42 billion according to the Pentagon.
This is an increase of $4.5 billion from the previous estimate.
The last public cost estimate was made more than six months ago.
Defense officials provided the new cost data to Congress on August 13.
The reported costs cover military actions related to the conflict with Iran.
The information was shared during congressional defense discussions.
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Wildfires in Indonesia are approaching important orangutan research centers in Borneo, threatening both the study sites and the habitat of Bornean orangutans. Scientists and local teams are working hard to control the fires, but dry weather caused by El Niño is making the situation worse.
Key Facts
Wildfires are near the Rangkong research station and the main Cabang Panti research station in Gunung Palung national park, Borneo.
These stations have hosted long-term studies of wild Bornean orangutans, a critically endangered species.
Around 2,500 orangutans live in Gunung Palung national park, many areas of which are on fire.
Fires are mostly set intentionally to clear land, but an intense El Niño weather pattern has caused very dry conditions that help fires spread.
Researchers have recorded detailed life histories of orangutans, including their slow reproduction cycle of one birth every eight years.
Without the research stations and forest, scientists will lose important data on orangutan survival and tropical ecosystems.
More than 40 people, including local villagers, are trying to stop the fires by creating firebreaks and wetting peat soil, which can smolder underground for months.
Conservation leaders say outside help like water bombing and expert firefighters is needed to control the fires.
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Dan Thomas has resigned as the leader of Reform Wales after being reported to the police and released without charge. He said he is stepping down for personal reasons but will continue to represent his local area as a member of the Senedd (Welsh Parliament).
Key Facts
Dan Thomas was the leader of Reform Wales, appointed by Nigel Farage in February 2026.
He stepped down after being reported to the police over the weekend.
Thomas was released without any charges.
He denied any wrongdoing and said he did not want the news to distract from the party’s work.
Reform Wales has grown to 34 elected members under his leadership, becoming the largest opposition group in Welsh history.
Thomas will remain a representative for Casnewydd Islwyn in the Senedd.
He supported the party’s future choice of leader after his resignation.
The situation remains under development with more updates expected.
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Ed Sheeran said that the decision to remove Macklemore from his tour was made by the concert promoter, not by him. Sheeran also said he prefers not to talk about politics during his shows.
Key Facts
Macklemore was dropped from Ed Sheeran's tour after making pro-Palestinian comments on stage.
Ed Sheeran posted on social media to explain the situation.
Sheeran said the promoter decided to drop Macklemore, not him.
Ed Sheeran chooses not to use his concerts to discuss politics.
The news story is still developing and may be updated later.
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Dan Thomas, the leader of Reform UK in Wales, is stepping down after being arrested and bailed on suspicion of assault. He denies any wrongdoing and says he does not want the situation to distract from his team's work.
Key Facts
Dan Thomas was appointed as Reform UK’s Welsh leader in February by Nigel Farage.
He was elected as leader of the opposition in the Senedd (Welsh Parliament) in May.
Thomas did not attend a planned parliamentary session due to "personal reasons."
He was arrested on suspicion of assault on September 13 but was released without charge.
Thomas says he is innocent and wants to avoid media distraction from his party’s work.
Gwent police confirmed the arrest and said Thomas has been bailed pending further inquiries.
Thomas was formerly a Tory councillor and leader of Barnet council in north London.
He is originally from Blackwood, Caerphilly, in Wales.
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The Atlantic hurricane season in 2026 has set a new record for the longest time without a hurricane forming, reaching September 15 with none recorded. This is the longest gap since reliable tracking began in 1966, largely influenced by the strong El Niño weather pattern reducing hurricane activity in the Atlantic.
Key Facts
No hurricanes have formed in the Atlantic basin since June 1, 2026, marking the longest stretch without a hurricane since 1966.
The first hurricane in an average season usually appears in early or mid-August.
So far in 2026, there have been five named tropical storms but no hurricanes.
A tropical storm is named when winds reach 39 mph; it becomes a hurricane at 74 mph or more.
El Niño is a climate pattern with warmer Pacific Ocean temperatures that tends to reduce hurricane formation in the Atlantic by cooling its waters and increasing wind shear.
NOAA predicted a below-normal Atlantic hurricane season in 2026 due to a strong El Niño event.
Past strong El Niño events have consistently been linked to fewer hurricanes in the Atlantic since 1950.
The usual peak of the hurricane season is in September and October, but this year remains unusually quiet.
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Lucy Letby, a neonatal nurse convicted of murdering seven babies and attempting to kill seven others, has been further described in a public inquiry report. The report found she was often untruthful, ignored hospital rules, and showed callous behavior, while hospital actions that might have stopped her were not taken in time.
Key Facts
Lucy Letby was convicted of killing seven babies and trying to kill seven more.
She is serving 15 whole-life prison sentences.
The Thirlwall Inquiry examined hospital handling of concerns about Letby from 2015-2016.
The inquiry found Letby lied repeatedly to friends and colleagues.
She ignored directions from managers and behaved callously toward patients.
The hospital failed to act early enough to prevent some deaths and injuries.
Letby had mixed performance reviews during nursing training, with concerns noted in later years.
The inquiry did not question her guilt but focused on hospital management and safeguarding failures.
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