New York-area airports faced major disruption on September 21 after a communications failure at the FAA’s Philadelphia TRACON was compounded by a cut backup fiber line. Ground stops hit JFK, LaGuardia, Newark and other Northeast airports, causing widespread delays during UNGA week. FAA outage hits New York and Northeast airports

President Donald Trump and New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani met at Gracie Mansion to discuss immigration, public safety, press access and a proposed $21 billion Queens housing project. Despite political differences, both leaders signaled continued cooperation. Trump-Mamdani Meeting Advances NY

The Mecca Defence Pact is facing its first major test as Saudi Arabia comes under repeated Houthi missile and drone attacks. Pakistan and Turkiye have backed Riyadh diplomatically, but neither has launched a direct military response, raising questions about how the pact’s collective-defence clause works in practice. Mecca Defence Pact

China has expelled senior generals Zhang Youxia and Liu Zhenli from the Communist Party and military after investigations found alleged disloyalty, corruption and serious disciplinary violations, marking another major change at the top of the People’s Liberation Army. Zhang Youxia and Liu Zhenli expelled from party and military

A Sudan mine collapse in Oni, Red Sea state, killed at least 11 miners and left dozens injured as rescue teams searched for people trapped under debris. The disaster is Sudan’s second major informal mine collapse within a week, renewing concern over mine safety and weak oversight. Oni rescue continues after Red Sea mine collapse

US China trade talks moved into a crucial phase in New York as Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng discussed artificial intelligence, tariffs and critical minerals ahead of Donald Trump and Xi Jinping’s September 24 White House meeting. US China trade talks prepare Trump-Xi summit

Best Countries at Math: China Leads PISA 2025 Rankings The latest PISA mathematics results highlighted in the source show a striking concentration of high performers in East Asia. China leads the table, followed by Singapore, Macao and Taiwan, while Japan, South Korea and Hong Kong also rank strongly. Estonia emerges as Europe’s leading performe

Ras Al Khaimah is accelerating plans for next-generation transport through a RAK flying car test partnership with Chinese advanced air mobility company Aridge. The initiative brings together RAKTA, aviation authorities and emerging eVTOL technology as the emirate explores safer, regulated low-altitude transport. Aridge test moves flying cars toward operational trials The Ras Al Khaimah Transpor

F-35 Parts in Hong Kong Trigger Pentagon Security Probe Sensitive F-35 parts in Hong Kong have triggered a US security investigation after components traveling from Australia to the United States for repair were unexpectedly diverted. The Pentagon probe involves an F-35 canopy and raises questions about the supply chain, spare parts security and aircraft readiness. F-35 canopy raises sec

US President Donald Trump has signed a sweeping Russia sanctions law that gives Washington new authority to impose targeted tariffs of up to 100% on major buyers of Russian oil and natural gas, placing India under renewed trade scrutiny. The White House confirmed that Trump signed H.R. 5334, the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, on September 18. The administration said the law expands statutory sanctions, tariffs a

Ukraine plans record defence and security spending of 4.885 trillion hryvnias, about $110 billion, in its draft 2027 budget. The allocation equals 43.8% of projected GDP, while Kyiv says it will need $52.6 billion in international support to keep its wartime finances stable. Ukraine defence budget reaches wartime record Ukraine’s government has proposed 4.885 trillion hryvnias for defence and security in 2027, an increase of 517.9 bill

The US is investigating a possible Iran link to cyberattacks on two Texas-bound energy tankers after Coast Guard and FBI teams found evidence of malicious cyber activity. Officials have not attributed the attacks to Tehran, but the incidents are raising concerns about maritime cyber threats and critical infrastructure. Tanker cyberattack triggers US investigation US Coast Guard personnel and FBI cyber specialists boarded two foreign-flag

West Town Chicago has been ranked No. 18 on Time Out’s 2026 list of the world’s coolest neighborhoods. The West Side district was recognized for its restaurants, nightlife, cultural spaces, independent businesses and community character, joining Los Angeles and New York on the list. West Town ranks No. 18 worldwide Chicago’s West Town has been ranked No. 18 on Time Out’s 2026 list of th

Canada EU associate membership has emerged as a new flashpoint in transatlantic relations after European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen proposed a deeper partnership with Ottawa and US President Donald Trump threatened tougher tariffs if Washington viewed the arrangement as hostile. Canada EU associate membership proposal takes shape Von der Leyen proposed making Canada the European Union’s first “associate member” durin

India remains on the US list of major drug transit or illicit drug-producing countries for fiscal year 2027, but President Donald Trump has also praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s anti-opium efforts and called for continued cooperation under the US-India Drug Policy Framework. Trump praises Modi’s anti-opium drive US President Donald Trump welcomed India’s efforts to curb illicit opium poppy cultivation while issuing his admini

A new Israel settler poll has exposed a sharp divide over violence in the West Bank as the October 27 election approaches. The JPPI survey on Qusra, growing diplomatic pressure over settlements and Gaza’s humanitarian strain are all shaping a tense campaign. Qusra poll shows split over settler violence The Jewish People Policy Institute surveyed Israelis from September 1 to 3 after violence in Qusra, where dozens of masked Israeli civi

The Mecca drone row has intensified Saudi-Houthi tensions after Riyadh said its air defenses intercepted a drone approaching the holy city. The Houthis denied targeting Mecca and separately claimed they shot down a Saudi F-15 over Yemen’s Marib province. Mecca drone row raises security concerns Saudi Arabia condemned what it described as an attempt by Yemen’s Houthis to target Mecca after t

Russia and Ukraine intensified attacks on industrial, transport and energy infrastructure in mid-September, with Moscow saying it struck Ukrainian steel facilities and cargo vessels while Kyiv reported drone attacks on Russian industrial sites. The exchanges underline how both sides are increasingly targeting economic assets beyond the front line. Russia Ukraine industrial strikes hit major steel facilities

Israel is facing widening diplomatic pressure over Gaza, settlement expansion in the occupied West Bank and its relations with traditional allies. The debate intensified after Jared Kushner said the Trump administration used Israel's isolation following the Doha strike to help advance a Gaza deal.    Doha strike Gaza deal increased diplomatic pressure Jared Kushner, US President Donald Trump's son-in-law and s

A Stockport husband has admitted 60 offences against his wife after pleading guilty to the remaining charges in a case involving more than two decades of sexual abuse. The man, who cannot legally be identified because doing so could reveal his wife's identity, remains in custody while related proceedings continue. Stockport husband guilty plea reaches 60 offences The man, who is in his 60s and