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US forces strike third alleged drug vessel killing three, Trump says

US forces strike third alleged drug vessel killing three, Trump says

Summary

U.S. forces conducted a strike on a vessel believed to be trafficking drugs, resulting in the deaths of three people. This was the third such strike in recent weeks, and it happened in international waters as per President Trump's statement. The vessel was in an area overseen by the U.S. Southern Command, which includes parts of South America and the Caribbean.

Key Facts

  • U.S. forces struck a vessel, killing three people on board.
  • President Trump said the strike targeted a drug-trafficking vessel.
  • This was the third strike on alleged drug boats in recent weeks.
  • The strike occurred in international waters.
  • The area of responsibility for this action falls under the U.S. Southern Command.
  • Previous strikes also targeted vessels allegedly connected to Venezuela.
  • Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has criticized these strikes.
  • Legal experts have raised concerns about the legality of these strikes in international waters.
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Russia-Ukraine war: List of key events, day 1,304

Russia-Ukraine war: List of key events, day 1,304

Summary

On September 20, three Russian fighter jets allegedly entered Estonia's airspace, prompting calls for NATO talks. Ukrainian forces launched drone attacks on Russian territories, while Russia reportedly captured new areas in Ukraine. The European Commission proposed new sanctions on Russia, aiming to increase pressure on the country.

Key Facts

  • Three Russian MiG-31 jets allegedly entered Estonia's airspace over the Gulf of Finland for 12 minutes, according to Estonian officials.
  • Russia's air force denied violating airspace, stating their jets flew over neutral Baltic Sea waters.
  • NATO and European countries condemned the airspace violations and NATO scrambles aircraft in response.
  • Ukrainian forces attacked parts of Russia, resulting in two deaths reported by Russian sources.
  • Russia captured two villages in Ukraine's Donetsk and Zaporizhia regions, according to Russian media.
  • The European Commission proposed a 19th set of sanctions on Russia, focusing on limiting its exports.
  • Former U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping discussed the Russia-Ukraine war.
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Trump says US struck another ‘drug smuggling vessel’, killing three

Trump says US struck another ‘drug smuggling vessel’, killing three

Summary

President Donald Trump stated that U.S. forces struck a ship suspected of smuggling drugs, resulting in the deaths of three men on board. This marks the third claimed strike on drug trafficking vessels by the U.S. within the past month. The operation took place in international waters within the U.S. Southern Command's jurisdiction.

Key Facts

  • U.S. forces conducted a strike on a suspected drug smuggling ship.
  • The strike was ordered by President Donald Trump.
  • The operation led to the deaths of three men on the vessel.
  • This incident is the third of such U.S. actions against drug vessels in the same month.
  • The U.S. Southern Command, responsible for this area, covers 31 countries in South and Central America and the Caribbean.
  • The vessel was reportedly moving through a known drug trafficking route.
  • The operation occurred in international waters.
  • No U.S. personnel were harmed during the strike.
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The Papers: 'Putin's jets over Estonia' and two-child benefit cap 'spiteful' says MP

The Papers: 'Putin's jets over Estonia' and two-child benefit cap 'spiteful' says MP

Summary

Recent events highlight tensions between Russia and Estonia after Russian jets entered Estonian airspace, which Russia denies. The UK discusses policies on child benefits and digital IDs, while addressing issues involving China and security concerns. Additionally, UK domestic politics and international recognitions provoke various critical responses.

Key Facts

  • Three Russian fighter jets reportedly entered Estonia's airspace.
  • Russia claims the jets followed international airspace rules.
  • UK MP Bridget Phillipson criticizes the two-child benefit cap.
  • UK considers dropping charges in a spying case linked to China.
  • Kemi Badenoch criticizes UK's recognition of a Palestinian state.
  • Discussion in the UK includes a "one-in, one-out" asylum policy.
  • UK's Labour party may introduce digital IDs to address illegal migration.
  • Investigation in the Madeleine McCann case continues in Portugal.
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David Gandy: 'Britain produces some of the greatest models. We want to keep it that way'

David Gandy: 'Britain produces some of the greatest models. We want to keep it that way'

Summary

British supermodel David Gandy discusses his concerns about the future of the modeling industry due to the rise of artificial intelligence (AI). He is part of an effort to call on the UK government to protect people's rights against AI-generated human-like images, which he believes could harm the livelihoods of many in the fashion industry.

Key Facts

  • David Gandy is a well-known British male model, with a career spanning nearly 25 years.
  • He gained fame through a major campaign with the brand Dolce & Gabbana, which lasted 18 years.
  • Gandy and other models are urging the UK government to regulate AI in the fashion industry.
  • AI technology can now create images that look like real models, which Gandy sees as a threat.
  • He worries AI could harm jobs in the fashion industry, affecting photographers, make-up artists, and others.
  • Gandy is concerned about the impact of AI-created images on mental health, particularly for young people.
  • He emphasizes that there should be rules to govern the use of AI in fashion.
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'I'm Kenyan, don't shoot' - the athlete who says he was duped into the Russian army

'I'm Kenyan, don't shoot' - the athlete who says he was duped into the Russian army

Summary

A Kenyan athlete, Evans Kibet, claims he was tricked into joining the Russian army and is now a prisoner in Ukraine. In a video released by the Ukrainian army, Kibet pleads not to be sent back to Russia, expressing his desire to return to his family in Kenya. The situation highlights the complex circumstances under which foreign nationals reportedly become involved in the conflict.

Key Facts

  • Evans Kibet is a Kenyan athlete captured by Ukrainian forces; he claims he was deceived into joining the Russian army.
  • Kibet appeared in a video, pleading for his life and expressing fear of returning to Russia.
  • He wishes to go back to Kenya to see his 16-year-old daughter.
  • The Ukrainian military stated that the interview was done with Kibet's consent, but this has not been independently confirmed.
  • Kibet's family in Kenya was shocked and distressed after seeing the video.
  • Kibet grew up in western Kenya and competed in lesser-known road races in Europe and Asia.
  • He reportedly faced financial difficulties and saw a trip to Russia as an opportunity to race.
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Queen statue will show 'grandeur and dignity,' sculptor says

Queen statue will show 'grandeur and dignity,' sculptor says

Summary

A statue honoring Queen Elizabeth II will be created as part of her national memorial in London's St James's Park. Sculptor Martin Jennings, who will create the statue, aims to capture her "grandeur and dignity." The final design will be unveiled in 2026.

Key Facts

  • Martin Jennings is the sculptor chosen to create the statue of Queen Elizabeth II.
  • The statue will be part of a memorial in St James's Park, London.
  • The final design of the memorial will be revealed in 2026.
  • Jennings wishes to portray the queen's "grandeur and dignity."
  • The Royal Family's approval is sought for the statue design.
  • A budget between £23 million and £46 million is estimated for the memorial.
  • The memorial will include a statue of Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip, and a bridge inspired by her wedding tiara.
  • The anti-monarchy group Republic suggests the Royal Family should pay for the memorial themselves.
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Russia's answer to Eurovision is less kitsch, more Kremlin

Russia's answer to Eurovision is less kitsch, more Kremlin

Summary

Russia has launched the Intervision Song Contest as an alternative to Eurovision, from which it was banned in 2022. The event aims to foster international cultural collaboration and includes participants from 23 countries that align with Russia politically and economically. The contest reflects Russia's efforts to maintain international influence despite tensions related to its invasion of Ukraine.

Key Facts

  • Intervision is Russia's alternative to the Eurovision Song Contest, with less focus on flashy performances.
  • The contest was initiated by Russian President Vladimir Putin and aims to promote international cultural cooperation.
  • Russia was excluded from Eurovision in 2022 due to its invasion of Ukraine.
  • Intervision invites participation from 23 countries, reflecting Russia's political alliances, including countries from the BRICS group and other international organizations.
  • The United States was initially set to participate, but its representative, Brandon Howard, withdrew due to personal reasons.
  • Australian-Greek singer Vassy, based in Los Angeles, replaced the U.S. participant at Intervision.
  • Russian officials emphasize the cultural importance of the event, despite others suggesting it has political motives.
  • Russia promotes the inclusion of allies from continents like Asia, Africa, and Latin America in the contest.
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I'm nothing like Peaky's Tommy Shelby, says Murphy

I'm nothing like Peaky's Tommy Shelby, says Murphy

Summary

Actor Cillian Murphy says he is not like his Peaky Blinders character, Tommy Shelby, whom he described as a "psychopathic gangster." Murphy is promoting his new film "Steve," which explores themes of education and personal struggles, set in a reform school in the 1990s. A Peaky Blinders film will also be released soon, with details still under wraps.

Key Facts

  • Cillian Murphy plays Tommy Shelby in the TV show "Peaky Blinders."
  • Murphy stated he is not similar to his character, Tommy Shelby.
  • A Peaky Blinders movie is set to come out, but details on the storyline are not yet revealed.
  • Murphy stars in "Steve," a film about a reform school headteacher dealing with challenges.
  • The movie "Steve" addresses topics like education and men's mental health.
  • Murphy recently won an Oscar for his role in the film "Oppenheimer."
  • Murphy mentioned that long-form TV allowed him to grow older with his character, Shelby.
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How a man's affair with his mother-in-law became a viral film in Indonesia

How a man's affair with his mother-in-law became a viral film in Indonesia

Summary

A viral true story from Indonesia about a man having an affair with his mother-in-law inspired a popular film called "Norma." The film gained attention in Indonesia and other countries for its dramatic plot and its basis in real events. The trend of adapting social media scandals into films is becoming common in Indonesia.

Key Facts

  • "Norma" is a film about a husband having an affair with his mother-in-law, based on a true story from Indonesia.
  • The real story became widely known after Norma Risma shared it in a viral TikTok video in 2022.
  • The movie debuted in Indonesian theaters in March and on Netflix in August, reaching audiences in Malaysia and Singapore too.
  • Adapting viral social media stories into films is a successful formula in Indonesia.
  • Indonesia's social and religious norms consider adultery taboo and legally punishable.
  • The new criminal code in Indonesia will outlaw sex outside marriage next year.
  • Films about home scandals attract attention partly due to the country's conservative culture.
  • The film "Norma" highlights cultural curiosity about personal scandals amid religious conservatism.
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Palestinians flee as Israel strikes Gaza City with ‘unprecedented force’

Palestinians flee as Israel strikes Gaza City with ‘unprecedented force’

Summary

Israel is carrying out major military strikes in Gaza City, urging residents to move to the south. Many Palestinians are fleeing, with some walking long distances, but moving is difficult due to costs and ongoing attacks. Around half the population has left northern Gaza, but many people remain despite the heavy bombardment and worsening conditions.

Key Facts

  • Israel is using heavy military force in Gaza City to encourage people to move south.
  • The only escape route is the al-Rashid coastal road.
  • Around 480,000 Palestinians have fled Gaza City since late August, with some reports saying half of the population has left.
  • Some residents are walking long distances to reach the south due to the high cost of transport.
  • Israeli strikes have killed 43 people in Gaza on a single day.
  • There are severe food shortages, and a nine-year-old child died from malnutrition.
  • Hospitals in Gaza are short on fuel, which may run out in 72 hours.
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A legendary Jimi Hendrix performance from 1970

A legendary Jimi Hendrix performance from 1970

Summary

A documentary covers Jimi Hendrix's famous performance on July 4, 1970, at America's last major rock festival. The feature is titled "Jimi Hendrix - Electric Church" and was first shown on September 19, 2025.

Key Facts

  • The documentary is about a Jimi Hendrix performance from 1970.
  • Hendrix was the main act at a significant rock festival in the U.S.
  • The performance took place on July 4, 1970.
  • The documentary is called "Jimi Hendrix - Electric Church."
  • It was first broadcast on September 19, 2025.
  • The documentary is 1 hour and 29 minutes long.
  • It will be available to watch for 11 months.
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Lib Dems call for police desks in supermarkets and libraries

Lib Dems call for police desks in supermarkets and libraries

Summary

The Liberal Democrats in England and Wales propose setting up police desks in places like supermarkets and libraries. This plan aims to make it easier for people to report crimes and improve public trust in the police. The party suggests funding these desks by removing police and crime commissioners.

Key Facts

  • The Liberal Democrats want police desks in supermarkets, shopping centers, and libraries.
  • They believe this will help people feel more confident in reporting crimes.
  • The cost could be covered by eliminating police and crime commissioners, saving over £100 million.
  • The party wants at least one police desk in every local council area in England and Wales.
  • The idea was announced at the start of the Liberal Democrats' annual conference in Bournemouth.
  • Critics say police counters have declined over the past decade.
  • The policy addresses concerns that people don't often see police officers in their communities.
  • The plan comes as many existing police station counters face closures to reduce spending.
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Trump Shares Video of Another Fatal Strike on Alleged Drug Boat

Trump Shares Video of Another Fatal Strike on Alleged Drug Boat

Summary

Former President Donald Trump posted a video on Truth Social showing a U.S. military strike on a boat linked to drug trafficking. The strike occurred in international waters, resulting in three deaths, and was part of a campaign against narcotics and terrorism.

Key Facts

  • The strike targeted a boat connected to a "Designated Terrorist Organization."
  • The U.S. Southern Command was responsible for the operation.
  • The action was part of U.S. military efforts against narcotrafficking in the Western Hemisphere.
  • The boat was in international waters, and three people died in the strike.
  • No U.S. forces were harmed during the operation.
  • Trump's Truth Social post emphasized stopping narcotics and related violence in America.
  • This event was reportedly a second strike against drug trafficking networks in the area.
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Trump-Xi call thaws US-China relations, but no clear TikTok deal yet

Trump-Xi call thaws US-China relations, but no clear TikTok deal yet

Summary

U.S. President Donald Trump and China's President Xi Jinping recently talked on the phone, but there is no complete agreement yet on the sale of TikTok, a social media app with a large U.S. user base. While Trump mentioned a positive discussion, China's official stance was more reserved. The phone call indicates a slight improvement in U.S.-China relations, but experts say a final deal is still pending.

Key Facts

  • President Trump and President Xi talked on the phone for the first time in three months.
  • The call did not result in a confirmed sale of TikTok, which has 170 million U.S. users.
  • Trump expressed optimism about a TikTok deal in his message but China's statement was less clear.
  • Experts note that the call marks progress in U.S.-China relations after a period of tension.
  • The U.S. had set a deadline for TikTok's Chinese owner ByteDance to sell its stake or face a ban.
  • Experts say the TikTok sale is complex due to Beijing's reluctance and future ownership uncertainties.
  • The algorithm that drives TikTok's content recommendation is a major point of contention.
  • More detailed discussions between both countries may occur at an upcoming international forum.
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Multiple Earthquakes Slam Russian Coastline

Multiple Earthquakes Slam Russian Coastline

Summary

A series of earthquakes, including a large 7.8 magnitude quake followed by aftershocks, hit Russia's Kamchatka region. This area is in a geologically active part of the world. Although tsunami warnings were issued, no significant tsunami occurred.

Key Facts

  • A 7.8 magnitude earthquake hit the Kamchatka region in Russia on Thursday.
  • Aftershocks ranging from 4.5 to 5.5 magnitudes continued on Friday.
  • The U.S. Geological Survey noted 14 seismic events in a 12-hour span.
  • The earthquakes occurred about 80 miles off the Russian coast at a depth of 6 miles.
  • Despite initial tsunami warnings, no major tsunami was reported.
  • Kamchatka is part of the Pacific Ring of Fire, known for frequent earthquakes.
  • Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, the regional capital, is in a seismically active area.
  • Scientists are monitoring for more aftershocks and potential patterns.
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France suspends counterterrorism cooperation with Mali

France suspends counterterrorism cooperation with Mali

Summary

France has stopped its counterterrorism work with Mali and told two Malian embassy staff members in Paris to leave the country. This decision came after Mali arrested a French man, Yann Vezilier, claiming he was involved in a plot to overthrow Mali's government. France denies the allegations and is seeking his release.

Key Facts

  • France stopped working with Mali on counterterrorism efforts.
  • Two Malian embassy staff in Paris were asked to leave France.
  • Mali arrested a French man, Yann Vezilier, accusing him of planning a coup.
  • France denies that Vezilier was doing anything wrong and wants him released.
  • Tensions between France and Mali have grown since Mali expelled French forces.
  • Mali's military government is seeking security support from Russia.
  • Mali faces a security crisis with violence from groups linked to al-Qaeda and ISIS.
  • Mali's military leader recently extended his rule for another five years.
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PA arrests Palestinian suspect decades after deadly Paris restaurant attack

PA arrests Palestinian suspect decades after deadly Paris restaurant attack

Summary

The Palestinian Authority has arrested Hicham Harb, a suspect in a 1982 deadly attack on a Jewish restaurant in Paris, under an international warrant. France is working with Palestinian authorities to extradite him. The attack, attributed to the Abu Nidal Organisation, killed six people and injured 22.

Key Facts

  • The attack happened in 1982 at the Jo Goldenberg restaurant in Paris, killing six and injuring 22.
  • Hicham Harb, the suspect, was arrested by the Palestinian Authority in the occupied West Bank.
  • The arrest was made under a 2015 international arrest warrant.
  • France seeks to extradite Harb to face charges of murder and attempted murder.
  • French President Emmanuel Macron plans to recognize a Palestinian state, which facilitated the extradition request.
  • Harb is accused of leading and participating in the attack, allegedly using grenades and machine guns.
  • The Abu Nidal Organisation, labeled a terror group, is blamed for the attack.
  • Another suspect, Abou Zayed, has been in French custody since 2020 after extradition from Norway.
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News Wrap: Vaccine panel declines to recommend COVID shots this fall

News Wrap: Vaccine panel declines to recommend COVID shots this fall

Summary

A panel of vaccine advisers in the U.S. chose not to recommend COVID vaccines for the coming fall. Estonia reported that Russian fighter jets entered its airspace without permission. The United Nations plans to reapply strict sanctions on Iran concerning its nuclear activities.

Key Facts

  • A U.S. panel related to health and vaccines decided not to recommend COVID shots for the fall season.
  • This decision is part of an overhaul by Health Secretary Kennedy.
  • Estonia accused Russia of violating its airspace with fighter jets, marking the third such event this month.
  • These airspace violations are seen as attempts by Russia to test NATO's defenses.
  • The United Nations is preparing to reapply sanctions on Iran.
  • The sanctions are related to concerns about Iran's nuclear program.
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Suspect in 1982 attack on Jewish restaurant in Paris arrested in West Bank

Suspect in 1982 attack on Jewish restaurant in Paris arrested in West Bank

Summary

A suspect in a 1982 attack on a Jewish restaurant in Paris was arrested in the West Bank by Palestinian authorities. The suspect, Mahmoud Khader Abed Adra, is accused of directing the attack that killed six people and injured at least 20 others. France is working on his extradition, and the arrest occurred just before France and other countries plan to recognize the state of Palestine.

Key Facts

  • Mahmoud Khader Abed Adra, using the name Hicham Harb, was arrested for the 1982 attack on the Jo Goldenberg restaurant in Paris.
  • The attack killed six people and injured at least 20.
  • Palestinian authorities arrested Adra under a 2015 international warrant.
  • France's President Macron praised the cooperation with Palestinian authorities and is pursuing extradition.
  • The arrest comes ahead of France recognizing an independent Palestinian state along with other countries.
  • A trial for the attack is expected next year, involving six suspects.
  • Adra is believed to have been part of the Abu Nidal group, a faction responsible for violent global attacks.
  • Three suspects in the case are still at large, believed to be hiding in Jordan and the West Bank.
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