Bangladesh is dealing with a severe measles outbreak that has killed over 1,000 people since March 2026, despite vaccinating nearly 20 million children in an emergency campaign. The outbreak worsened because fewer children were vaccinated in past years, vaccine shortages happened due to political changes, and the original vaccination target was too low.
Key Facts
More than 1,000 measles deaths were reported in Bangladesh since March 2026.
Nearly 20 million children were vaccinated during an emergency campaign starting in April 2026.
Last year, Bangladesh had only 132 measles cases and no deaths.
Vaccination rates for the first and second doses of the measles-rubella vaccine dropped between 2019 and 2023.
Vaccine coverage was below the 95% needed to stop measles spread.
COVID-19 disrupted routine immunizations.
Political changes in 2024 caused vaccine delays and shortages.
The outbreak spread to most districts by April 2026, leading to a nationwide emergency vaccination effort.
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A human rights group called B’Tselem says Israel is working to remove the conditions that allow Palestinians to live normal lives in the West Bank. Their report says Israel uses violence, movement limits, economic pressure, and building settlements to harm Palestinian communities and replace them with Jewish ones.
Key Facts
B’Tselem published a detailed report accusing Israel of attacking many parts of Palestinian life in the West Bank.
The report lists five types of actions: violence, movement limits, economic pressure, social and political damage, and ethnic cleansing.
Since October 2023, 1,107 Palestinians have been killed by Israel in the West Bank.
The report says Israeli state bodies, led by Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, aim to create fear and push Palestinians out.
Israeli settlements and Jewish-only infrastructure are expanding where Palestinians once lived.
The report calls this process an ongoing political effort to create permanent Jewish presence and fragment Palestinian society.
One example shows a man carrying his disabled daughter around a roadblock set by the Israeli army.
The increase in pressure on Palestinians reportedly began after a Hamas attack on southern Israel in October 2023 but is based on earlier plans from 2017.
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Oil prices increased after attacks on Saudi Arabia's oil infrastructure and commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz. The conflict involves ongoing tensions between the U.S. and Iran, with recent military actions and interrupted talks aimed at ending the war.
Key Facts
Brent crude oil prices went above $107 per barrel, rising almost 3%.
WTI crude oil prices for North America neared $103 per barrel, also up about 3%.
Attacks targeted Saudi Arabia’s East-West oil pipeline and ships in the Strait of Hormuz.
A planned meeting between Iran and regional countries to discuss shipping security was postponed.
President Donald Trump announced major military strikes against Iran and aims to end the war soon.
The U.S. and Iran had talks in June that failed as attacks continued from both sides.
Trump blames global diesel shortages on Ukrainian strikes against Russian oil, not the Middle East conflict.
Iran is reportedly eager to negotiate a deal to end the conflict.
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Police in Bali are investigating the deaths of an Australian man, Damien John Shaw, and his two young children found in their home. The family was discovered after neighbors were alerted by the man's wife, who had become worried during a phone call with her husband.
Key Facts
The victims are Damien John Shaw, aged 56, and his two children, a 6-year-old boy and a 4-year-old girl.
The bodies were found in their bungalow in Kuta, a popular tourist area in Bali.
Shaw’s wife became concerned after hearing one child crying during a phone call and then losing contact with her husband.
She was not in Bali at the time but had recently traveled to Jakarta, the capital of Indonesia.
Neighbors entered the home after no one answered their knocks following the wife’s call for help.
Police have not confirmed the cause or manner of death and are conducting further tests.
Australian media reported the case as a suspected murder-suicide, but this has not been officially confirmed.
Damien Shaw was originally from Fremantle in Western Australia.
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Indonesian authorities are searching for over 120 people missing after the Virgo Transport 8 ferry capsized in the Java Sea. The ferry was carrying more than 240 people when it overturned in rough seas, killing at least six.
Key Facts
The Virgo Transport 8 ferry capsized in the Java Sea near Masalembo waters.
The ferry was traveling from Surabaya in East Java to Banjarmasin on Borneo island.
At least six people died, and 129 are still missing.
The ferry had around 243 people onboard, including 213 passengers and 30 crew members.
The ferry was carrying 89 vehicles along with passengers.
Rescue teams deployed 17 ships, aircraft, underwater teams, and navy drones for the search.
The ferry was built in Japan in 1987 and sold to Indonesia last year.
Indonesian ferry accidents happen frequently due to weak safety enforcement in the country's many islands.
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Israeli settlements are Jewish communities built on land occupied by Israel in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. These settlements are considered illegal under international law because they are built on land occupied from Palestinians, and their number and size have grown significantly since 1967.
Key Facts
Israeli settlements are built in the West Bank and East Jerusalem on land occupied since 1967.
There are 163 illegal settlements with about 744,700 Israeli settlers living in them as of 2024.
Settlements are planned and approved by the Israeli government under its laws.
Outposts are smaller settlements built without formal approval but can become legal over time.
International law, including the Fourth Geneva Convention, prohibits these settlements.
Settlements have their own facilities like schools and malls, and are connected by roads mostly used only by settlers.
These roads and settlements fragment Palestinian land and limit the movement of Palestinians.
The area called E1 near Jerusalem is planned for settlement expansion, which would divide Palestinian territories further.
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An Indonesian passenger ship called Virgo Transport 8 capsized in the Java Sea, and 129 people are still missing. Rescuers have saved 108 people and found at least six dead, but bad weather is making the search difficult.
Key Facts
The ferry was carrying 243 people from Surabaya to Banjarmasin when it capsized.
Rescue teams include 622 workers and about 12 ships.
Strong winds and high waves are slowing down the search, especially underwater rescue efforts.
The ship capsized about 80 nautical miles (150 km) from Banjarmasin’s port.
The ferry was not overloaded and can carry up to 500 passengers.
The accident happened after the ship was hit by strong waves on its starboard (right) side.
Indonesia uses ferries a lot for travel because the country has 17,000 islands.
Recently, ferry accidents with fires have caused deaths in the region.
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Two cryptocurrency businessmen, Ben Delo and Christopher Harborne, each donated £36 million to the Reform Party in the UK, marking the largest political donations in British history. These large contributions come amid financial scandals around the party and a political environment where other parties are also active.
Key Facts
Ben Delo and Christopher Harborne each gave £36 million to the UK’s Reform Party.
The total of £72 million is the biggest amount ever donated to any British political party.
Ben Delo was previously convicted in the US for failing to prevent money laundering but was pardoned by President Donald Trump.
Christopher Harborne had donated £5 million before, which is under investigation for parliamentary standards.
The donations happened just after a Reform Party conference marked by financial controversies.
A bill to limit political donations like these is being considered in the UK House of Lords.
The donations could have a significant effect on the upcoming election and party dynamics.
Other election-related news included Sweden’s close vote count and a possible Russian drone attack near the Poland-Ukraine border.
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President Donald Trump says that Ukraine's attacks on Russia's oil refineries are causing diesel fuel shortages and higher prices. He urges Ukraine to stop these attacks to help lower diesel costs.
Key Facts
President Trump blames Ukraine for the rise in diesel fuel costs.
He says Ukraine's strikes are targeting Russian oil refineries.
These attacks have led to diesel shortages and increased prices.
The President calls on Ukraine to stop attacking Russian fuel facilities.
The price increase affects fuel availability and inflation.
The situation links to the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia.
Energy supply disruptions can impact global fuel markets.
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Beekeepers and government inspectors in Oldham, Greater Manchester, worked together to find a nest of invasive Asian hornets. These hornets threaten honeybees and other insects, so finding and removing the nest helps protect local wildlife.
Key Facts
Asian hornets were first spotted in Oldham about three weeks ago.
Beekeepers used food traps and monitored the hornets’ flight directions to locate the nest.
Government inspectors helped with GPS trackers and AI cameras to narrow down the location.
The nest was found in a tree after multiple search teams focused on the same area.
One nest can eat about 15 kilograms (two stones) of insects in a season.
Asian hornets mainly target honeybees, killing up to 50 bees per hornet each day.
The public is encouraged to report sightings using the Asian Hornet Watch app.
Asian hornets do not pose a greater threat to humans than native hornets, and simple first aid is advised if stung.
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A new event called the Big Brue festival in Somerset will test if attending talks can change people’s views and make them more open and understanding. Scientists will use tasks and questionnaires before and after the festival to see if listeners become more positive and better at handling opposing opinions.
Key Facts
The Big Brue festival in Bruton, Somerset, aims to measure if talks change attendees' attitudes.
Participants will complete tests and questionnaires before and after the event.
The event focuses on whether conflicting views can help people understand each other better.
Neuroscientist Beau Lotto is leading the experiment, studying if the festival can improve empathy and tolerance.
Past studies by Lotto showed that awe-inspiring experiences can make people more helpful and social.
The festival features panels with speakers holding opposing views on topics like AI and migration.
Sessions include conversations between family members who disagree and a “poetry battle” with famous artists.
Organizers want the rural setting to encourage friendly and open discussions away from city tensions.
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People in several Syrian cities protested after the government increased fuel prices by up to 40 percent for diesel and 28 percent for petrol. The government said the increase was temporary and due to higher global fuel costs and ongoing upgrades to the Baniyas oil refinery.
Key Facts
The Syrian government raised fuel prices on September 13, 2026.
Diesel prices rose by up to 40 percent, petrol by up to 28 percent.
Protests occurred in cities including Hama, Khan Sheikhoun, and Maarat al-Numan.
Protesters blocked a main highway and burned tires to show their anger.
Syria produces about 102,000 barrels of oil daily but needs 325,000 barrels, relying on imports.
The government is upgrading the Baniyas refinery to increase capacity from 80,000 to 130,000 barrels per day.
The Ministry of Energy plans to keep adjusting fuel prices based on the global market and to improve refining and storage capacity.
Reliable fuel supply is important for Syria’s effort to recover economically after 14 years of war.
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Residents and firefighters are working together to fight forest fires near homes in Quito, the capital city of Ecuador. The fires are threatening densely populated neighborhoods in the city.
Key Facts
Forest fires are occurring near residential areas in Quito, Ecuador.
The fires are putting homes at risk in densely populated parts of the city.
Local residents are helping firefighters to control the fires.
Quito is the capital and largest city of Ecuador.
Cooperation between residents and firefighters aims to protect the community from fire damage.
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Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said Canada wants a special partnership with the European Union but does not want to join as a full member. This plan comes as trade tensions between Canada and the United States grow, with both countries imposing tariffs on each other's goods.
Key Facts
Canada seeks a "unique alliance" with the European Union, not full membership.
Carney will visit the UK and France and speak at the European Parliament in Strasbourg.
EU officials are open to Canada becoming an "associate member" but not a full member.
Canada and the US are in a trade war, with tariffs affecting steel, aluminum, lumber, and other goods.
Both Canada and the US have placed tariffs of up to 50% on billions of dollars in goods from each other.
Carney aims to build a stronger, more independent Canadian economy amid difficult US relations.
President Donald Trump has made remarks about Canada becoming the "51st state" and renamed Lake Ontario as "Lake America."
Carney supports middle powers teaming up as the previous global order changes.
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The Electoral Commission in England reported a rise in abuse and threats against local and mayoral election candidates. Women, minority ethnic candidates, and people with disabilities are more likely to face abuse, leading some to change how they campaign or consider not standing for election again.
Key Facts
More than half of Labour and Reform UK candidates reported abuse during elections.
Women candidates are more likely to avoid campaigning alone or avoid controversial topics due to safety concerns.
Abuse includes being spat at, verbally insulted, and physically assaulted.
Candidates from minority ethnic backgrounds and those with disabilities face higher levels of intimidation.
Social media plays a role by spreading anger and sometimes encouraging real-world harassment.
The Electoral Commission urges social media companies to create quick ways to respond to online abuse.
Political parties are encouraged to promote respect among their members during campaigns.
The increase in abuse affects local politics by limiting personal contact between candidates and voters.
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Israeli Culture Minister Miki Zohar said he plans to revoke the citizenship of filmmakers Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor. This follows their documentary about Israel’s actions in Gaza winning an award at the Venice Film Festival.
Key Facts
The film is called NAZA and focuses on Israel’s use of AI in Gaza.
NAZA won the Special Jury Prize at the Venice Film Festival.
The Culture Minister called the filmmakers’ work “vile” and accused them of treason.
He promised to act quickly to take away their Israeli citizenship.
The documentary shows Israel using an AI system named “Lavender” to target Palestinians.
The film includes anonymous testimonies from Israeli military and intelligence staff.
The documentary aims to encourage Western countries to impose economic sanctions on Israel.
The film received a 25-minute standing ovation at its premiere.
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Turkish police detained at least 63 people during nationwide raids targeting LGBTQ organizations, including activists and businesses, in major cities such as Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir. The government said the raids were part of a campaign to protect families and children and fight Turkey’s declining birthrate.
Key Facts
Police raided gay bars, offices, and homes connected to LGBTQ groups on Sunday.
At least 63 people were arrested, with investigations involving 162 suspects, nine associations, and 13 businesses.
The authorities blocked LGBTQ organizations’ websites before the raids.
Justice Minister Akin Gurlek linked the actions to a government program focused on family and population policies.
The raids targeted current and former members of LGBTQ rights and HIV awareness groups.
Turkish officials accused the group Kaos GL of sharing obscene content online accessible to children.
LGBTQ rights groups and human rights organizations criticized the crackdown as discrimination and an attack on civil society.
The European Parliament official Nacho Sanchez Amor called the detentions a serious escalation of repression in Turkey.
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Iran’s nuclear chief, Mohammad Eslami, is not expected to attend the UN nuclear agency’s meeting in Vienna because he is banned from traveling abroad. This travel ban reflects worsening relations between Iran and Western countries amid ongoing conflicts. Austria requested an exception to allow him to attend the conference, but the request was denied.
Key Facts
Mohammad Eslami leads Iran’s Atomic Energy Organisation.
He has been banned from international travel due to sanctions.
The IAEA General Conference is held annually in Vienna, Austria.
Austria, as the UN host country, can request travel exemptions for officials.
Austria’s request to waive Eslami’s travel ban for the meeting was denied.
Iran’s relations with the West have worsened after a ceasefire collapsed in July.
The IAEA monitors nuclear programs worldwide, including Iran’s.
The situation is part of broader Middle East tensions affecting global politics.
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Genta Koja won the election to become the governor of Okinawa, Japan’s southernmost prefecture, defeating the current governor, Denny Tamaki. Koja’s victory may lead to support for the relocation and expansion of U.S. military facilities in Okinawa, a key area for Japan’s defense strategy.
Key Facts
Genta Koja won 59% of the vote in Okinawa’s gubernatorial election held on Sunday.
Koja defeated Denny Tamaki, who had served two terms and opposed the U.S. military build-up.
Koja is supported by Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and her Liberal Democratic Party.
At 42 years old, Koja is the youngest governor since Okinawa returned to Japan in 1972.
Koja’s election might end legal challenges against moving the U.S. Marines from Futenma base to Henoko.
His leadership could allow more military use of civilian airports and ports in Okinawa.
Japan plans to increase defense spending to deter China’s growing military presence in East Asia.
Okinawa is part of a strategic island chain important to Japan’s defense against potential Chinese expansion.
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A Russian drone hit a train near Ukraine’s border with Poland soon after former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson and other diplomats left the station. Ukrainian officials said passengers were told to evacuate just 15 minutes before the attack.
Key Facts
A Russian drone struck a train close to the Ukraine-Poland border.
The strike happened shortly after Boris Johnson and other diplomats left the station.
Ukraine reported that passengers were ordered to leave the train 15 minutes before the strike.
The incident took place during ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
The attack targeted transportation near an international border crossing.
Boris Johnson was visiting the area at the time but was not harmed.
The strike highlights the continued military activity near the Ukraine-Poland border.
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