Iceland plans to submit a bill in February 2027 that could permanently ban commercial whaling in its waters. This move would leave Norway and Japan as the only countries still allowing commercial whale hunting.
Key Facts
The bill aims to stop commercial whaling in Iceland’s waters.
A 2023 report showed that harpooned whales took up to two hours to die, leading to a temporary ban on whaling that year.
Iceland’s minister of industries supports changing outdated whaling laws and ending the hunt.
Up to 8 September this year, 80 fin whales were caught by Icelandic whalers; the quota allows up to 150 whales per season.
Fin whales are the second-largest animals on Earth and are considered vulnerable to extinction.
Iceland has only one whaling company, Hvalur, which currently has a permit valid until 2029.
Norway and Japan continue commercial whaling; Japan left the International Whaling Commission (IWC) in 2019 to resume hunting.
Animal welfare groups see the bill as an important step toward protecting whales and marine conservation.
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Malcolm Potier, a 75-year-old man with a criminal past, attacked theatre-goer Kirsty O'Donnell by strangling her during a performance in London in June 2023. Potier was found guilty and sentenced to two years in jail for non-fatal strangulation.
Key Facts
The attack happened on 7 June 2023 during the musical "We Will Rock You" at the London Coliseum.
Kirsty O'Donnell was strangled by Potier, who was sitting next to her in the dress circle.
Potier is a disgraced ex-millionaire who once bought the Scottish Isle of Gigha, outbidding Mick Jagger in 1989.
Potier had a criminal history, including two jail terms in Australia for trying to hire hitmen to kill his former partner and her boyfriend.
During the attack, Potier told O'Donnell "I'll show you what rude is" before strangling her for about five seconds.
Potier was jailed for two years at Southwark Crown Court in July 2023.
The victim, O'Donnell, said public events and performances were important to her and this incident was especially difficult.
Potier’s partner, theatre critic Lizzie Loveridge, was sitting beside him during the attack and had earlier told O'Donnell to "shut up" because she was singing along.
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New Delhi is preparing to host the BRICS summit with special arrangements like blocked roads and evictions to ensure security and smooth events. These actions have caused some people in the city to feel angry and upset.
Key Facts
New Delhi is hosting the BRICS summit, an important meeting of five major emerging economies.
The city has blocked many roads to manage traffic and provide security during the event.
Authorities have evicted some residents and businesses to clear areas for the summit.
These actions have led to public anger and complaints about disruptions and fairness.
The government aims to present a grand welcome for the BRICS leaders.
BRICS includes Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa.
Hosting the summit is part of India’s role in international cooperation among these countries.
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A new fund of $15.5 million has been created to support efforts to end female genital mutilation (FGM) worldwide. This fund aims to increase resources for activists and organizations working on this issue, especially as existing funding and legal protections have recently declined.
Key Facts
Female genital mutilation (FGM) has affected more than 230 million women and girls globally.
The Her Horizon Fund was launched with $14 million from the Wallace Global Fund and $1.5 million from an anonymous donor.
The goal of the fund is to pool $100 million from donors to help end FGM within a generation.
UN funding to fight FGM dropped by 45% last year, from $29.6 million to $16.3 million.
Somalia, a country with widespread FGM, has seen recent progress with several states passing anti-FGM laws.
Some countries like Burkina Faso, the Gambia, and Kenya have criminalized FGM, but legal challenges and opposition remain.
Frontline groups say they need more funding to protect past gains and continue reducing FGM.
The UN aims to eliminate FGM by 2030, but current funding and political support make this target difficult to reach.
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The UK government is reviewing a British-owned surrogacy company, My Surrogacy Journey, after surrogates in Mexico had their insurance claims rejected for health problems, including hysterectomies. Some intended parents have faced large medical bills because insurance did not cover all costs.
Key Facts
My Surrogacy Journey is a UK-based surrogacy provider with sister companies in Mexico and the US.
Commercial surrogacy is banned in the UK but allowed in Mexico and some US states.
Surrogate women in Mexico had insurance claims denied for serious health issues like hysterectomies.
Around 300 surrogacy cases have been moved to a new insurance provider due to claim issues.
Some intended parents had to pay tens of thousands of pounds in medical bills after insurance rejected claims.
Parents are contractually required to pay medical costs not covered by insurance.
The UK government is considering whether to keep My Surrogacy Journey on the official list of UK surrogacy agencies.
The company was founded in 2021 by a British couple and promotes faster and cheaper surrogacy options in Mexico compared to the UK or US.
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Reform UK is experiencing disagreements inside the party over its reaction to protests by a far-right group called Patriot Platform, whose members wore masks and blocked Dover and Portsmouth. Some party members criticize the group and their actions, while others support them or their goals, leading to public disputes among Reform UK figures.
Key Facts
Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK, called the Patriot Platform’s masked protest in Dover “horrible.”
Patriot Platform is a far-right group whose members wore balaclavas to protest immigration issues.
Ryan Bridge, co-founder of the anti-migrant group Raise the Colours, spoke at Reform UK’s conference and is linked to the far right.
Bridge faces legal charges including racially aggravated harassment.
Some party members and councillors praised the protesters as “patriots” defending Britain.
Reform UK officials like Zia Yusuf and others criticized the use of masks but sometimes supported the protest goals.
There are open disagreements within Reform UK over Farage’s response and the party’s stance toward these right-wing activists.
Some local Reform members said protesters covered their faces to avoid losing jobs due to fears of media backlash.
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Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman called President Donald Trump twice to ask for U.S. strikes against the Houthi group in Yemen, which is advancing near a key Red Sea shipping route. President Trump declined to launch strikes but the U.S. is providing intelligence and support to Saudi Arabia while avoiding direct military involvement.
Key Facts
The Houthis, backed by Iran, are moving closer to the Bab al-Mandab Strait, an important route for global trade and Saudi oil exports.
Oil prices rose after the Houthis captured a strategic coastal city in Yemen.
Saudi Arabia asked President Trump for permission to strike Houthi targets, but did not request U.S. troops.
The U.S. has about 200 military personnel in Saudi Arabia providing non-combat support.
U.S. Central Command’s head traveled to Saudi Arabia for urgent talks amid the conflict escalation.
Riyadh previously handled the Houthis alone but is now seeking more U.S. help as fighting intensifies.
The Trump administration wants to focus on Iran and the Strait of Hormuz and avoid opening a new military front.
The U.S. emphasizes protecting free passage in the Red Sea while supporting regional partners to manage the conflict.
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A black silk dress worn by Princess Diana in 1994, known as the "revenge dress," is going up for auction on December 9. The dress became famous after Diana wore it the same night a documentary aired where Prince Charles admitted to adultery.
Key Facts
Princess Diana wore the black silk evening dress to a London party in 1994, designed by Christina Stambolian.
The dress got the nickname "revenge dress" because Diana wore it after a difficult moment in her marriage.
Sotheby's auction house expects the dress to sell for up to $300,000 (£220,000).
This is the first time the dress is being auctioned since 1997, when Diana sold many of her dresses for charity.
Diana chose the dress at the last minute and styled it with royal jewelry, a black clutch, and black shoes.
The vintage Jaguar car she arrived in at the event sold earlier in 2023 for £66,250.
Other items from Diana’s wardrobe have sold for high prices, like her sweater selling for £920,000 in 2023.
The dress is seen as a symbol of Diana taking control of her own story during a challenging time.
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Taiwanese Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim is visiting Europe to attend a democracy conference in Italy. Her visit is rare because officials of her rank usually avoid such trips due to pressure from China, which claims Taiwan as part of its territory.
Key Facts
Hsiao Bi-khim is attending the Ventotene Conference for Freedom and Democracy in Italy.
She is traveling with Taiwan’s Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung.
Taiwan has no formal diplomatic relations with Italy or most European countries.
The European Parliament’s vice president said Hsiao’s visit was kept secret to protect her from pressure or intimidation.
The conference focuses on defending democracy and freedom.
China claims Taiwan as one of its provinces, but Taiwan is self-governed and denies this claim.
Oleksandra Matviichuk, a Nobel Peace Prize winner from Ukraine, will also participate in the conference.
Hsiao previously spoke at a European summit focused on China last November.
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Three Hong Kong activists who organized yearly events to remember the 1989 Tiananmen Square crackdown were sentenced to prison, with terms up to seven years. They were convicted under Hong Kong’s national security law for encouraging actions against the government.
Key Facts
The activists are Lee Cheuk-yan (69), Chow Hang-tung (41), and Albert Ho (74).
Lee and Chow were convicted of inciting others to subvert state power; Ho pleaded guilty.
Lee received seven years in prison; Chow got seven years and three months; Ho was sentenced to five years.
The national security law in Hong Kong, introduced in 2020, bans many acts seen as opposing the state.
Annual vigils commemorating the Tiananmen crackdown were banned in 2020, citing COVID-19 measures.
The Hong Kong Alliance, a pro-democracy group behind the vigils, was fined HK$1.5 million ($191,000).
The Tiananmen crackdown involved Chinese troops suppressing pro-democracy protests in 1989, with a disputed death toll.
Authorities say the national security law maintains stability; critics say it limits freedoms in Hong Kong.
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Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in India to attend a BRICS summit focused on ongoing wars in the Middle East and Ukraine, as well as economic challenges. Leaders including India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chinese President Xi Jinping, and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian are meeting to discuss these issues amid expanding membership and complex international tensions.
Key Facts
Putin landed in New Delhi ahead of the BRICS summit, which includes 11 member countries.
The BRICS group originally included Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa but has expanded to include Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE.
The summit will focus on conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine, and economic concerns.
Iranian President Pezeshkian is visiting India for the first time in eight years, highlighting the summit’s focus on the Middle East.
India maintains friendly relations with both Iran and Israel while balancing its ties with the US.
India relies on Russia for energy supplies amid the ongoing war in Ukraine.
Chinese President Xi Jinping is visiting India for the first time since 2019, amid cautious improvements in relations between the two countries.
BRICS foreign ministers could not agree on a joint statement during a May meeting, showing internal divisions over conflicts.
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Daniel Billings was sentenced to 28 years in jail for the murder of his ex-girlfriend, Molly Ticehurst, in New South Wales, Australia. Billings killed Ticehurst in a brutal stabbing attack after she reported sexual assault allegations against him to the police.
Key Facts
Daniel Billings stabbed Molly Ticehurst 15 times at her home in Forbes on April 22, 2024.
He was sentenced by Justice Natalie Adams, with a non-parole period of 20 years.
Billings had previously threatened to kill Ticehurst after their relationship ended in December 2023.
Ticehurst had reported Billings to police for sexual assault, stalking, and intimidation.
Billings was out on bail for assault charges when he committed the murder.
The judge said the attack was motivated by revenge and extreme hatred.
Billings pleaded guilty to murder after legal negotiations lasting over 500 days.
The case highlighted issues around domestic and gender-based violence in Australia.
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Russian President Vladimir Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping, and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian are attending an 11-member BRICS summit in New Delhi, India. The summit will focus mainly on the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East and economic issues affecting the member countries.
Key Facts
The BRICS summit is held in India with 11 member countries, including Russia, China, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE.
The wars in Ukraine and the Middle East are key topics at the summit.
Putin met with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi; Xi Jinping is also expected to meet Modi during the two-day event.
This is Xi Jinping's first visit to India since 2019, marking a slow improvement in India-China relations after border conflicts.
The expanded BRICS group has members with differing views on recent conflicts, causing challenges in united decision-making.
Iran’s President Pezeshkian is visiting India for the first time and will discuss Middle East issues.
India seeks to balance its relations with countries involved in these conflicts, including Russia, Iran, Israel, and the United States.
Security is tight in New Delhi for the summit, and locals have been asked to cooperate with officials.
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Brazil’s Supreme Court canceled its meetings for two days because of conflicts and questions about corruption involving some judges. The court is divided over whether to investigate one judge suspected of improper actions tied to a major banking scandal. These court problems come at a tense time before Brazil’s October elections.
Key Facts
The Supreme Court canceled sessions two days in a row, which is unusual.
Chief Justice Luiz Edson Fachin postponed sessions until the following Tuesday.
One justice, Andre Mendonca, released police documents showing a banker seeking advice from another justice, Alexandre de Moraes.
De Moraes has handled major cases, including one against former President Jair Bolsonaro.
Mendonca, appointed by Bolsonaro, faces accusations from de Moraes of abusing power.
The conflict relates to the Banco Master scandal, where the bank defrauded investors of over $7 billion.
The Banco Master scandal has political ties, involving members of Bolsonaro’s family and lawmakers.
Police recently raided locations linked to the Banco Master case, including people involved in a film about former President Bolsonaro.
The turmoil could impact Brazil’s upcoming presidential elections between Lula da Silva and Bolsonaro’s son, Senator Flavio Bolsonaro.
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A horse in southern Texas has become the first in the US to be infected with the New World screwworm, a parasite that eats the flesh of animals. Authorities are working to control the outbreak by advising horse owners on prevention and restricting animal movement in affected areas.
Key Facts
The first US equine infection of New World screwworm was found on a ranch horse in Presidio County, Texas.
New World screwworm larvae infest open wounds and can cause serious injury or death.
Horse owners are told to check animals daily for wounds, bad smells, or maggots and to keep wounds clean and covered.
The Texas Animal Health Commission limits movement of warm-blooded animals in infected zones to stop spread.
The screwworm was previously eradicated but reappeared in June on a calf near the US-Mexico border.
Most US cases this year are in Texas, with one case in New Mexico on a dog.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott declared a disaster in June to provide resources for fighting the parasite.
The Trump administration started a program using sterile screwworm flies to reduce the pest population.
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On September 11, 2001, NYPD Officer Ramon Suarez carried Crystal Tyson out of the World Trade Center to safety before he returned inside and died when the towers collapsed. Years later, Tyson and Suarez’s family gathered to remember Officer Suarez and the events of that day.
Key Facts
Jennifer S. Altman took photographs of the 9/11 attacks that have been featured in museums.
One photo shows Officer Ramon Suarez carrying Crystal Tyson from the 49th floor of the World Trade Center.
Officer Suarez went back inside the tower after rescuing Tyson and died in the collapse.
Crystal Tyson was injured but escaped an ambulance that was later destroyed.
Suarez’s wife Carmen and daughter Jillian (an NYPD detective) attended a memorial with Tyson.
Jillian Suarez wears her father’s NYPD badge number in his memory.
The group returned to the spot near the towers where Officer Suarez carried Tyson to safety.
The article tells personal stories of survival and remembrance related to 9/11.
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Cilia Flores de Maduro, Venezuela’s former first lady, has asked a U.S. judge to allow her to stay under home detention in New York because her heart condition has worsened. Flores and her husband, former Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, were arrested in a U.S. military operation and now face drug and weapons charges in New York.
Key Facts
Cilia Flores de Maduro is currently held in a U.S. detention center in Brooklyn.
She has a heart condition called mitral valve prolapse that has worsened since her arrest.
Flores’s lawyers say she may have had a minor heart attack while in U.S. custody.
She was taken from Caracas during a U.S. military operation on January 3.
Flores has asked to be released to home detention with strict monitoring in Manhattan.
Home detention would include video surveillance, phone monitoring, and armed guards.
Flores and her husband are charged with drug and weapons crimes and will go on trial in June.
They both deny the charges against them.
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A 15-year-old boy was rescued after his fishing boat capsized in cold waters off Alaska’s coast. Two other crew members died, and a search and rescue mission was carried out by the U.S. Coast Guard and a nearby fishing vessel.
Key Facts
The fishing boat capsized near St. Lawrence Island in the Bering Sea.
The boat was an 18-foot vessel that left Savoonga on Friday and was overdue by Sunday night.
The Coast Guard started the search on Monday due to bad weather.
A Coast Guard pilot spotted the 15-year-old survivor sitting on the overturned boat about 4 miles from the island.
A nearby fishing vessel called Northwest Explorer helped rescue the boy.
The boy showed signs of hypothermia, which is a dangerous drop in body temperature.
The two other boaters died and their bodies were recovered.
The Coast Guard and local responders worked together during the rescue effort.
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A sequel to the 1998 movie Practical Magic, starring Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman, is being made nearly 30 years later. New cast members Joey King and Maisie Williams will play the daughters of Bullock’s character, continuing the story about a family of witches and their challenges.
Key Facts
Practical Magic is a fantasy romantic comedy film from 1998 about two witch sisters.
The original movie had mixed reviews but gained a devoted fan base over time.
Fans' demand helped convince Bullock and Kidman to return for the sequel.
Joey King and Maisie Williams join the cast as the daughters of Bullock’s character.
The sequel continues the story of a family curse affecting Owens women.
Some original cast members, like Dianne Wiest and Stockard Channing, return.
New actors like Lee Pace and Xolo Maridueña also appear.
Reviews of the sequel are mixed, noting both nostalgic appeal and some confusion.
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A 15-year-old boy was found and rescued by the U.S. Coast Guard after being lost for three days in the Bering Sea near Alaska. The boy had been fishing with his brother and cousin and was the only one to survive.
Key Facts
The boy is 15 years old and from Alaska.
He went fishing with his brother and cousin.
The boy became lost in the Bering Sea.
He survived alone for three days before rescue.
The U.S. Coast Guard conducted the rescue operation.
The news was reported on September 10, 2026.
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