A new book called "The Last Free Women" tells stories about Afghan women who escaped the Taliban's control and started new lives in the United States. The book shares their experiences during the urgent evacuation after U.S. forces left Afghanistan.
Key Facts
The book is titled "The Last Free Women."
It focuses on Afghan women who fled the Taliban regime.
These women later built new lives in America.
The book highlights their courage and struggles.
Diana Kapp is a co-author of the book.
Mursal Rahim, one of the Afghan refugees featured, spoke about her story.
The stories are connected to the U.S. military withdrawal from Afghanistan.
The book aims to show the human side of the evacuation and resettlement.
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Singapore has introduced new fines of up to 500 Singapore dollars (about £300) for bus passengers who play loud music, put their feet on seats, eat, drink, or litter. More serious actions, like making the bus dirty or causing danger to others in bus areas, can lead to fines as high as 5,000 Singapore dollars (£2,900).
Key Facts
Passengers on Singapore buses can now be fined up to $500 SGD for minor offences like playing loud music or putting feet on seats.
Eating, drinking, and littering on buses are also punishable by these fines.
Serious offences such as causing obstruction or dirtying buses or terminals can lead to fines up to $5,000 SGD.
These rules match existing laws for Singapore's metro trains (MRT).
Authorized bus staff, not drivers, can officially fine offenders on buses.
Drivers can ask passengers to stop misbehaving or to leave the bus if needed.
Other cities like Kraków, Poland, and the UK have introduced or considered similar rules to keep public transport quiet and safe.
The goal is to create a more pleasant and safe environment for all public transport users.
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In Australia, news articles about recent domestic violence incidents were shown next to ads for fake blood-stained shirts with the phrase “problem solved.” This caused concern among experts and advocacy groups who said the ads were inappropriate and could upset victims.
Key Facts
Three women were reportedly killed in separate family violence incidents in Australia over a weekend.
A mother was accused of stabbing her three children the day after these deaths.
Some Australian news websites showed advertisements for bloody Halloween shirts alongside articles about the violence.
The shirts are sold online under names including "bloody" and "Halloween" by retailers like Menweary, Amazon, and Etsy.
Experts said the ads made light of serious domestic violence and were disrespectful to victims.
Media companies removed the ads after being alerted and apologized for any distress caused.
The ads were placed through automated systems like Google AdSense, which mixes many ads across websites.
Google said it monitors ads but publishers can set additional limits to stop inappropriate content.
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Flights from Iran to Baghdad and Muscat will stop starting at midnight because of new US sanctions on Iranian airlines. Iran is trying to change some flights to a different airport in Iraq and is still negotiating flights to Oman. The US sanctions aim to cut off services like fuel and ticket sales to Iranian airlines.
Key Facts
Flights from Iran to Baghdad and Muscat will be canceled starting at midnight due to US sanctions.
Iran’s Civil Aviation Organization is negotiating to redirect some flights from Baghdad to Najaf Airport in Iraq.
Talks with Oman about flights are ongoing, while flights to Istanbul will continue as usual.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Iranian airlines will be shut down from September 23 by blocking fuel, landing services, and ticket sales.
These sanctions are part of a broader US campaign against Iran, targeting aviation and other parts of its economy.
The US cannot legally close foreign airspace but cuts off support services to Iranian planes to make flying difficult.
Iran remains open to talks mediated by Qatar but keeps a strong stance against the US.
Iran’s security chief said threats from the US will not work and that Iran is ready for a possible war.
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President Donald Trump spoke at the United Nations General Assembly and spoke openly about possibly attacking Iran. He mentioned this before a scheduled meeting with Iranian representatives.
Key Facts
President Trump gave a speech at the United Nations General Assembly.
During his speech, he talked about the idea of attacking Iran.
He considered "wiping out" Iran in his remarks.
The comments came before a meeting with a delegation from Iran.
The meeting was described by Trump as potentially a "good meeting."
The report was covered by CBS News and included footage by Ed O'Keefe.
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Actress Hayden Panettiere died from an accidental overdose of fentanyl and other drugs, according to a coroner in South Carolina. The report confirmed that the cause of her death involved multiple substances.
Key Facts
Hayden Panettiere was an actress.
She died from an accidental overdose.
Fentanyl was one of the drugs involved in her death.
Other drugs also contributed to her overdose.
The coroner who reported this is based in South Carolina.
The finding is part of an official investigation into her death.
Fentanyl is a powerful painkiller that can be dangerous in high amounts.
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The UK will see cooler weather as warm September temperatures fall back to more typical autumn levels. Rain and wind will move across many areas, with frost possible in some places early Thursday, while temperatures in southeast England may briefly return to the mid-20s Celsius by the weekend.
Key Facts
A weather front will bring heavy rain to parts of the UK on Wednesday, moving east and bringing cooler air.
Most regions will experience temperatures close to the normal late-September range, around 14-20°C.
Frost could appear Thursday morning in some eastern Scotland areas, especially near the Grampians.
Southeast England may stay warmer, reaching mid-20s Celsius by Friday due to a high-pressure system.
The weekend will have a mix of sun, showers, and rain, with temperatures near seasonal averages.
Northern and western parts of the UK may face windy and wet conditions next week.
There is no forecast for any unusual heat as September ends.
The changing weather pattern includes occasional rain and wind, typical for autumn in the UK.
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ABC News interviewed French President Emmanuel Macron in a wide-ranging discussion. Topics included the conflict between the U.S. and Iran, the Strait of Hormuz, the global energy crisis, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Ukraine, and concerns about Artificial Intelligence.
Key Facts
David Muir of ABC News conducted a one-on-one interview with French President Emmanuel Macron.
The interview covered America's conflict with Iran.
They discussed the strategic Strait of Hormuz, an important waterway for oil transport.
The global energy crisis was a major topic.
President Macron addressed issues related to Russian President Vladimir Putin and the war in Ukraine.
Warnings about the risks and challenges of Artificial Intelligence were part of the conversation.
The interview was shared on September 22, 2026.
The discussion took place amid global tensions and major international issues raised at the United Nations.
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University students often face sleep problems due to busy social lives, new environments, and travel. Experts advise getting daylight in the morning, keeping consistent wake-up times, avoiding alcohol and caffeine close to bedtime, and creating a calm pre-sleep routine without screens.
Key Facts
Getting outside and seeing daylight before 11 a.m. helps regulate the body’s sleep cycle.
Consistent waking times are more important than forcing early bedtimes if you can’t sleep.
Caffeine can stay in the body for hours and reduce natural sleepiness.
Alcohol reduces deep, restorative sleep and instead causes lighter, less refreshing sleep.
Some universities offer alcohol-free events and wellness clubs like yoga and crafts.
Avoid screens before bed because light from devices stops the hormone melatonin from making you sleepy.
Activities like journaling, reading, or listening to music can help relax the mind before sleep.
Keeping bedsheets clean and having a cool-down routine like a warm shower can prepare the body for rest.
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A Canadian man, Kenneth Law, sold poisonous chemicals online that helped people kill themselves, including a British woman named Imogen Nunn who died in 2023. Law pleaded guilty in Canada but will not face charges in the UK, though UK families affected by his actions will have a chance to speak in a Canadian court during sentencing.
Key Facts
Kenneth Law sold toxic chemicals to people worldwide through online suicide forums.
Law admitted to 14 counts of aiding suicides in Canada as part of a plea deal.
About 1,200 packages of toxic substances were sold by Law, with a quarter sent to the UK.
Nearly 80 deaths in the UK are linked to the substances Law supplied.
The UK did not charge Law but agreed to a plea deal with Canada to include UK victims in his sentencing.
Imogen Nunn, a 24-year-old British woman, died after buying poison from Law in 2023.
UK families will give impact statements in a Canadian court, which is the only legal recourse for their cases.
Some parts of the victims’ statements were redacted to be allowed in Canadian court.
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At the United Nations General Assembly, President Donald Trump said he could "annihilate" Iran. A foreign policy expert, David Tafuri, explained the meaning and implications of this statement and also discussed Trump’s comments about artificial intelligence.
Key Facts
President Trump spoke at the United Nations General Assembly.
He made a statement suggesting he could "annihilate" Iran.
David Tafuri is a foreign policy expert and former State Department official.
Tafuri analyzed Trump’s threat toward Iran.
Tafuri also discussed Trump’s remarks on artificial intelligence.
The news was covered by CBS News on their program "The Daily Report."
The discussion aimed to explain the foreign policy and security implications of the statements.
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Southern California is preparing for possible effects from Hurricane Polo, a Category 5 storm near the coast of Mexico. At the same time, the Atlantic coast faces a potential nor’easter with strong winds, heavy rain, and flooding.
Key Facts
Hurricane Polo is currently a Category 5 hurricane near the coast of Mexico.
Southern California is on alert for impacts from Hurricane Polo later this week.
A nor’easter may affect the Atlantic shoreline with strong winds and heavy rain.
The nor’easter could cause coastal flooding along the Atlantic coast.
Weather reporters Carter Evans and Rob Marciano provided updates on the situation.
Viewers can watch CBS News for live coverage and forecasts.
The combination of storms poses a threat to different parts of the U.S. coastlines.
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England plans to give its regional mayors more control over funding and new powers starting from 2027-2028. A thinktank called IPPR North recommends stronger oversight of mayors to ensure they manage the money well and prevent problems like misuse or corruption.
Key Facts
From 2027, mayors will keep business rates and can raise money from a tourist tax.
From 2028, mayors can keep a share of income tax generated in their regions and borrow for big projects.
IPPR North suggests mayors keep 5% of income tax, adding about £3.8 billion yearly to their budgets.
The thinktank wants new audit offices and senior accounting officers to watch mayor spending.
Bigger regions like London and Greater Manchester need stronger accountability committees.
Some regional mayor offices are new or still being created, raising concerns about their readiness.
Plans for these changes will be detailed in a government white paper with the autumn budget on 28 October.
Andy Burnham, now prime minister, supports shifting power from central government (Whitehall) to regions.
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President Donald Trump spoke at the United Nations General Assembly to explain his policy toward Iran. He said a deal might happen after U.S. midterm elections but warned that the other option is to destroy Iran’s government.
Key Facts
President Trump addressed the UN General Assembly.
He defended the U.S. conflict with Iran.
Trump said a deal with Iran could be possible after midterm elections.
He warned Iran’s government could be "annihilated" if no deal happens.
The speech reflected Trump’s “America First” foreign policy approach.
The message was directed toward Iran’s leadership.
The situation involves high tensions between the U.S. and Iran.
The midterm elections refer to U.S. congressional elections held midway through the president’s term.
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Literary tourism is when readers visit places connected to their favorite books. Author C.J. Box talked about how many people are visiting Wyoming because of his Joe Pickett novels. This trend helps readers experience the settings of stories in real life.
Key Facts
Literary tourism means traveling to locations related to popular books.
Author C.J. Box writes the Joe Pickett series.
Many readers are visiting Wyoming because of these novels.
The visits allow people to explore the real-life places from the stories.
This trend is growing as readers want to connect more with books.
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On the first day of the 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), President Donald Trump warned Iran with strong language. Despite this, US and Iranian officials met for three hours to talk during the event.
Key Facts
The 81st UN General Assembly began recently.
President Donald Trump threatened to "annihilate" Iran in his opening speech.
US and Iranian officials held a three-hour meeting during the UNGA.
The talks took place on the sidelines of the UNGA event.
The meeting happened even though there were strong tensions between the two countries.
The report about the talks came from Al Jazeera’s Diplomatic Editor James Bays.
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President Donald Trump told the United Nations General Assembly that he will either make a deal with Iran or take strong military action against it. He used the word "annihilate" to describe the possible outcome if a deal is not reached.
Key Facts
President Trump spoke about Iran during his speech at the U.N. General Assembly.
He said he wants to reach a deal with Iran.
He warned that if talks fail, the U.S. could "annihilate" Iran.
"Annihilate" means to completely destroy or defeat.
The speech was given to diplomats from many countries gathered at the U.N.
The issue relates to concerns about Iran's activities and policies.
President Trump presented the situation as having only two options: deal or destruction.
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The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) is currently happening in New York with world leaders giving speeches and meeting. Key moments include President Donald Trump threatening Iran, the UK’s new prime minister Andy Burnham meeting global leaders for the first time, and UN Secretary General António Guterres giving a farewell speech.
Key Facts
The UN General Assembly event is taking place in New York.
President Donald Trump warned he could “annihilate Iran.”
UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham met some world leaders for the first time.
UN Secretary General António Guterres gave a farewell speech.
Delegations from many countries are giving speeches and holding meetings.
The event gathers representatives from around the world to discuss global issues.
The event was reported just 25 minutes ago, showing it is happening now.
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The fall equinox happens on Tuesday when day and night are almost the same length. It marks the start of fall in the Northern Hemisphere and spring in the Southern Hemisphere, with the sun directly overhead at the equator at noon.
Key Facts
The fall equinox splits day and night evenly.
It signals the start of fall in the Northern Hemisphere and spring in the Southern Hemisphere.
At the equator, the sun is directly above at noon during the equinox.
Equinoxes happen when the Earth's tilt is not toward or away from the sun.
Both the North and South Poles receive sunlight at the same time only during equinoxes.
The sun rises almost exactly in the east and sets almost exactly in the west on the equinox.
The word equinox means “equal night” in Latin because day and night lengths are nearly equal.
Many cultures, like Japan and the ancient Mayans, celebrate the equinox with special events.
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Far-right activist Daniel Thomas used a knife to damage an inflatable boat carrying rescued asylum seekers in the English Channel while a rescue worker was still onboard. The incident was recorded live and condemned by charities and police, who have made arrests related to the event and surrounding protests.
Key Facts
Daniel Thomas stabbed and slashed an inflatable dinghy in the Channel while a rescue worker was onboard.
The dinghy carried recent asylum seekers crossing from France to the UK.
The rescue worker was wearing safety gear and was on the dinghy when Thomas attacked it.
Thomas livestreamed the incident to about 100,000 viewers.
Police arrested six people for offenses including assaulting an emergency worker and trespassing.
The rescued migrants had spent around 36 hours in the water in dangerous conditions before being rescued.
Thomas leads a far-right nationalist group called Patriot Platform and organized protests against asylum seekers in Gosport, Hampshire.
Asylum seekers were moved from Hampshire to Dover by Border Force boats instead of disembarking in Gosport.
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