The judges for the 2026 Booker Prize announced the six novels shortlisted for the award after a challenging selection process. Notable shortlisted authors include Marlon James and Douglas Stuart, who are both previous winners of the prize.
Key Facts
Marlon James was nominated for his novel "The Disappearers."
Douglas Stuart is shortlisted for "John of John."
Other shortlisted authors include Elizabeth Strout, M John Harrison, Luke Kennard, and Rebecca Perry.
The judges described the selection as difficult, having started from a longer list in July.
The judging panel includes Rebecca Liu, Jarvis Cocker, Dame Mary Beard (chair), Raymond Antrobus, and Patricia Lockwood.
Judges praised the quality and diversity of this year’s English-language fiction.
Jarvis Cocker participated in judging while on tour, even joining meetings in a hotel dressing gown.
The judges highlighted that the shortlisted books show unique human creativity, not replicable by artificial intelligence.
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Armed groups in Ethiopia, some former enemies, have joined forces against the government in the capital, Addis Ababa. There are fears that this conflict could lead to a new civil war as the country faces serious political challenges.
Key Facts
Ethiopia has experienced ongoing clashes despite past peace deals and ceasefires.
Some armed groups that used to fight each other have now formed an alliance.
This alliance aims to remove the government led by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed.
The groups warn that Ethiopia might break apart if the conflict continues.
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed says the country can protect itself from this threat.
Many Ethiopians worry that the country is close to another civil war.
The allied groups have different political and ideological views but share this goal.
Experts on Ethiopian affairs and conflict have discussed the situation and its risks.
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Mary Maker, who escaped conflict in South Sudan and lived in a refugee camp in Kenya, is now a United Nations Goodwill Ambassador. She highlights that millions of refugee children are missing out on school and asks global leaders to provide more education and job opportunities for refugees.
Key Facts
Mary Maker is a UN Goodwill Ambassador and a former refugee.
She grew up in a refugee camp in Kenya after fleeing South Sudan.
Education played a key role in improving her life.
Millions of refugee children currently do not attend school.
Mary Maker urges world leaders to invest in education for refugee children.
She also calls for more job opportunities for refugees worldwide.
The focus is on helping refugees have a better future through learning and work.
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Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani said the Gulf region is in a very dangerous situation because of the conflict involving the US, Israel, and Iran. He called for diplomacy to solve the crisis, emphasized Qatar’s role as a mediator, and criticized Israeli actions in Palestinian areas.
Key Facts
The Gulf is facing “one of the most dangerous phases” due to a US-Israeli conflict involving Iran.
Sheikh Tamim promotes diplomatic solutions to end the crisis and restore regional security.
Qatar seeks to reopen the Strait of Hormuz for safe maritime navigation to avoid war.
Qatar is committed to defending its territory but prioritizes diplomatic efforts.
The Emir criticized Israeli attacks in the West Bank and Gaza and called the situation in Gaza a genocide.
He supports the sovereignty and unity of Lebanon, Sudan, Libya, and Yemen.
Sheikh Tamim advocates for a regional collective security system to prevent future conflicts.
He reaffirmed support for UN efforts to achieve peace and political stability in the region.
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President Donald Trump addressed the United Nations General Assembly, saying he must choose between striking Iran again or making a peace deal. He also discussed efforts to end the war in Ukraine, maintaining US leadership in artificial intelligence, and signed a deal to increase the US military presence in Greenland.
Key Facts
President Trump told the UN he faces a “big decision” to either attack Iran or seek a peace agreement.
Iran’s team walked out of the speech after Trump threatened to "annihilate" Iran if the conflict continues.
Trump claimed military action has stopped Iran from getting nuclear weapons.
He predicted a peace deal with Iran might happen after the November US elections.
Trump said US diplomacy is working to end the war between Russia and Ukraine soon.
He called artificial intelligence “super intelligence” and said the US will lead the technology race.
Trump signed a deal with Denmark and Greenland to expand US military access to Greenland’s land and airspace.
He met with several world leaders, including those from Ukraine, the UK, and Middle Eastern countries during the UN assembly.
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President Donald Trump said that U.S. and Iranian officials had a three-hour meeting during the United Nations General Assembly in New York. He described the meeting as productive and positive.
Key Facts
The meeting took place on the side of the UN General Assembly in New York.
It lasted three hours.
U.S. officials met with Iranian officials.
President Trump spoke about the meeting during a conversation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Trump called the meeting "very good" and "very productive."
The meeting happened amid ongoing international discussions involving the U.S. and Iran.
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The United States, Denmark, and Greenland have signed an agreement that lets the US expand its military presence in Greenland. The deal aims to strengthen security in the Arctic region amid competition with Russia and China and confirms Denmark and Greenland’s control over the territory.
Key Facts
The agreement was signed during the UN General Assembly in New York.
It allows the US to upgrade and increase activities at the Pituffik Space Base in northwest Greenland.
New US military bases will be set up in Narsarsuaq (south) and Mestersvig (east) with options to add more locations.
US aircraft can fly over and land anywhere in Greenland, including territorial waters, and the US gets undersea access.
No non-NATO country can have military bases in Greenland without approval from Denmark, Greenland, and the US.
The deal has no end date and would continue even if Greenland becomes independent, with Greenland staying in NATO.
The agreement follows months of tension after President Trump suggested buying Greenland, which Denmark opposed.
Danish and Greenlandic leaders say the deal ensures shared security and respects territorial sovereignty.
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The US, Denmark, and Greenland have signed a new defense agreement allowing the US to build two new military bases in Greenland. The deal supports Greenland's self-rule and Danish control while enhancing NATO's and North America's security in the Arctic.
Key Facts
The new defense deal was signed by President Donald Trump, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, and Greenland’s Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen at the UN General Assembly.
The US will build two new military bases at Narsarsuaq and Mestersvig in Greenland.
Narsarsuaq has deep-water access and a large runway, while Mestersvig is a remote outpost used by Danish forces.
The agreement updates a 1951 defense agreement between Denmark and the US.
The US can also modernize and expand its current Pituffik Space Base in northwest Greenland.
The deal confirms Greenland will remain in NATO if it becomes independent from Denmark.
The agreement prevents any non-NATO country from establishing military bases or a persistent military presence in Greenland.
President Trump had said the US would start building a large military presence immediately to address security concerns in the Arctic.
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Qatar’s leader Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani urged for the Strait of Hormuz to be reopened. He said that the conflict between the US, Israel, and Iran has caused higher prices for food and medicine, hurting people who are not involved in the fighting.
Key Facts
Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani is the leader of Qatar.
He spoke about the Strait of Hormuz at the United Nations.
He called for the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a key waterway for global trade.
The current conflict involves the US and Israel against Iran.
This conflict has increased global prices of food and medicine.
Higher prices are hurting everyday people who are not part of the conflict.
The statement rejects using the Strait of Hormuz as a bargaining tool during the conflict.
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President Donald Trump gave a strong speech at the United Nations General Assembly, focusing on Iran and threatening severe actions against the country. He also spoke about the situations in Cuba and Venezuela, warning of consequences if U.S. interests are threatened.
Key Facts
Trump said he had a big decision to make about Iran, mentioning the possibility of destroying the country quickly to stop it from harming others.
He called on allies to fully isolate Iran economically.
Trump incorrectly stated that Iran’s current regime has been in power for 51 years, when it has been 47 years since 1979.
He claimed that over 72,000 Iranians were killed in protests earlier in the year, but no definite death toll exists, and lower estimates have been given.
The speech included threats toward Cuba, predicting the collapse of its communist government amid a crisis worsened by U.S. embargoes.
Trump referenced U.S. actions in Venezuela, including the detention of President Nicolás Maduro on drug charges.
Trump stated the U.S. will use military power if necessary to protect its interests in the Western Hemisphere.
The speech was unusually aggressive for a U.N. address, given the assembly’s goal to promote peace and avoid conflict.
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President Donald Trump spoke at the United Nations General Assembly, addressing ongoing global conflicts and energy problems. He blamed a shortage of diesel fuel partly on Ukraine’s attacks on Russian targets, met with Ukraine’s president, and noted China’s absence from the UN meeting while its leader went to Washington.
Key Facts
President Trump gave a speech at the UN General Assembly focusing on US foreign policy and global tensions.
He linked the global diesel shortage to Ukraine’s drone strikes on Russian infrastructure.
Russia supplies only about 6% of the world’s diesel exports.
Trump held a bilateral meeting with Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Conflicts continue in the Middle East and Ukraine with no clear resolution.
China’s leader, Xi Jinping, did not attend the UN meeting and instead went to Washington for talks on AI.
The ongoing energy crisis affects people in many countries worldwide.
The article references recent events including discussions on US aid, global hostilities, and diplomatic meetings.
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President Donald Trump said that U.S. officials had a productive meeting lasting about three hours with an Iranian delegation during the United Nations General Assembly in New York. He also mentioned that another meeting is planned soon.
Key Facts
The meeting took place on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York.
U.S. officials and the Iranian delegation met for about three hours.
President Trump described the meeting as “very good” and “productive.”
Another meeting between the two groups is scheduled to happen soon.
The discussion involved representatives from the United States and Iran.
The announcement came directly from President Trump to reporters at the UN.
No specific details about the topics discussed were given in this report.
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A six-year-old girl from China named Lian Yunzhi has set a new world record for solving the Rubik’s Cube among women. She completed the puzzle in an average time of just over four seconds during official competitions in Wuhan and Guangzhou.
Key Facts
Lian Yunzhi is six years old and from Chengdu, China.
She set new women’s world records for solving the 3x3 Rubik’s Cube twice this month.
Her average solving times were 4.52 seconds and then 4.27 seconds at official contests.
She is the first female speedcuber to average under 4.5 seconds.
Lian has learned over 1,300 solving methods called algorithms.
She practices solving the Rubik’s Cube for two to three hours every day.
Her mother said solving the cube helps develop skills like focus, memory, and logical thinking.
Lian was introduced to the Rubik’s Cube through a class offered alongside other activities like dance and music.
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Fat Bear Week is an online contest in Alaska where people vote for the fattest brown bear from Katmai National Park. The bears gain weight by eating lots of salmon in the summer to prepare for winter hibernation. The winner is decided by public votes and announced on September 29.
Key Facts
Fat Bear Week started in 2014 to educate people about brown bears.
The contest features 16 bears competing in a bracket-style tournament.
Bears eat up to 30 salmon a day to gain weight for hibernation.
Adult male bears usually weigh 600-900 pounds in midsummer but can grow over 1,000 pounds after fishing season.
Female bears are about one-third smaller than males.
Bears are not actually weighed; their weight is estimated from photos.
Last year’s winner was Chunk, a bear weighing about 1,200 pounds.
Voting is done online at www.fatbearweek.org, and viewers can watch live bear cams before voting.
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President Donald Trump signed an agreement with Denmark and Greenland to improve security in the Arctic and North Atlantic regions. The deal allows the U.S. to expand its military presence in Greenland while keeping the island under Danish control, even if Greenland becomes independent in the future.
Key Facts
The agreement was signed during the U.N. General Assembly in New York.
It aims to strengthen Arctic and North Atlantic security involving the U.S., Denmark, and Greenland.
Greenland remains under Danish control, but the U.S. military can increase operations there.
The deal will stay in place even if Greenland gains independence.
The U.S. will modernize and expand its base at Pituffik Space Base in northwest Greenland.
New U.S. defense areas may be established at Narsarsuaq in the south and Mestersvig in the east of Greenland.
The U.S. has had a military presence in Greenland for decades but currently has about 200 soldiers there.
Trump previously talked about acquiring Greenland but is now focusing on military and security cooperation.
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Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva spoke at the United Nations, warning against outside interference in Brazil’s upcoming election. He emphasized Brazil’s right to govern itself and criticized global powers for trying to control other countries and weaken international institutions like the UN.
Key Facts
Lula warned that Brazil will not allow foreign or domestic forces to interfere in the October 4 presidential election.
He stated that Brazil’s democracy belongs to Brazilians and the country will remain sovereign.
Lula criticized the United States for imposing tariffs on Brazilian goods and accused the US government of trying to influence the election.
He called the idea of dividing the world into spheres of influence outdated.
Lula criticized the United Nations, especially the Security Council’s veto power, for failing to prevent wars and deal with global conflicts.
He highlighted the need for cooperation to combat organized crime and stop weapons and illegal money from spreading in Latin America.
Lula contrasted Brazil’s defense needs with reliance on military power, saying Brazil wants cooperation, not aircraft carriers watching its waters.
The speech came before President Donald Trump’s UN address, where Trump planned to highlight US military strength in the region.
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Police in Manchester have stopped a planned attack targeting the Jewish community during their holy month. Two men were arrested after a months-long investigation, and police believe there is no current threat to the public.
Key Facts
Police arrested two men in Manchester suspected of planning an attack on the Jewish community.
The arrests happened just before the Jewish holiday Yom Kippur began.
Investigation lasted several months and was led by UK Counter Terrorism Policing (CTP).
The men are being questioned in London under the Terrorism Act.
The police have completed searches in Liverpool and Salford related to the suspects.
Officials have not confirmed the suspects' motives but are considering Islamist extremism among possibilities.
The UK’s terrorism threat level is at the second highest level, called "severe."
The Community Security Trust urged the Jewish community to stay calm but alert and report anything suspicious.
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Sudan is facing a severe food crisis caused by ongoing war between the Sudanese army and paramilitary forces. This crisis echoes past famines in the country, but unlike earlier drought-driven famines, the current hunger problem is mainly caused by conflict disrupting farming, food deliveries, and aid.
Key Facts
War between the Sudanese army and Rapid Support Forces began in April 2023 and has worsened through 2024.
The conflict has damaged farms, markets, bakeries, and infrastructure essential to food production and distribution.
Millions of people have been forced to leave their homes due to the food crisis and fighting.
Historically, Sudan suffered famines caused mostly by drought and locusts, with one major famine between 1888-1889 killing over one million people.
The 1984 famine caused by drought led to mass displacement in western Sudan.
Current famine affects major cities and farming areas across Sudan, unlike past famines that were more regionally limited.
Humanitarian aid is limited by war-related restrictions and damaged transport routes.
The crisis includes both food shortages and breakdowns in services like banking and communications.
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President Donald Trump gave a speech at the United Nations where he defended his decision to start the war with Iran. His speech was part of the debates at the UN General Assembly involving world leaders.
Key Facts
President Trump spoke at the United Nations General Assembly.
He defended launching the war with Iran during his speech.
Richard Gowan, director at the International Crisis Group, commented on Trump’s speech.
The speech took place on September 22, 2026.
The UN General Assembly is a meeting where leaders from many countries discuss global issues.
Trump’s speech was part of broader discussions involving various world leaders.
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President Donald Trump met Andy Burnham, praising him as a natural businessman and saying their relationship is better than with the previous UK prime minister. Trump criticized the UK’s decision to give up the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, calling the deal terrible and stressing the islands’ military importance.
Key Facts
President Trump called Andy Burnham a “natural businessman” and said he could be a great prime minister.
They discussed topics including Rolls-Royce, energy, and immigration during their meeting at the United Nations.
Trump said the relationship with the UK is stronger now than it was under the last prime minister.
Trump criticized the UK’s deal handing sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius and leasing Diego Garcia military base.
He said the islands are very important for strategy and military operations like B-2 bomber flights.
Andy Burnham said they established a good connection during their talks.
Trump said that once the war in Iran ends, prices will go down.
Trump defended banning some journalists from the White House, saying he has a right to remove “fake news.”
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