World — Halifax News

2026-09-22 13:52

Trump Defends Iran War at UN, Accuses Tehran of Stalling Until Midterms

U.S. President Donald Trump addressed the UN General Assembly to defend his decision to initiate a war against Iran, accusing Tehran of delaying negotiations until after U.S. midterm elections. The speech occurred amidst global economic anxiety driven by the conflict, which has disrupted oil markets through attacks on Saudi pipelines and Houthi actions in the Red Sea. While Iran's delegation walked out during the address, Secretary of State Marco Rubio indicated openness to meeting Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian.

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2026-09-20 18:56

Middle East Tensions Escalate as Iran Claims US Plans Renewed Bombing

Iran has claimed intelligence that the US is preparing to renew bombing campaigns, coinciding with Houthi missile attacks on Saudi Arabia and a closure of the Strait of Hormuz. The situation has triggered security alerts for US citizens, diplomatic friction between France and Iran, and strained relations between Washington and Gulf states.

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2026-09-20 18:45

Burnham Seeks 'Third Way' in First Face-to-Face Meeting with Trump at UN

UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham is set to meet US President Donald Trump at the United Nations on Tuesday, aiming for a balanced approach that pushes back on British interests without engaging in open diplomatic conflict.

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2026-09-20 18:36

18 Suspects in Haitian President Moïse Assassination Await Extradition to U.S.

Eighteen suspects arrested for the July 2021 assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Moïse are awaiting extradition to Florida, where they will face trial. U.S. Attorney Jason Reding Quiñones announced that 30 individuals have been indicted in total, marking a significant step in the pursuit of accountability for the killing.

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2026-09-20 16:47

European Intelligence Leaders Debate Imminent Russian Threat to NATO

As Polish and Czech officials warn of potential Russian attacks on NATO territory within months, Baltic intelligence chiefs urge caution. While assessments differ on the immediacy of a direct incursion, all agree that Russian sabotage campaigns in Europe are intensifying and shifting toward critical infrastructure.

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2026-09-20 15:00

Severe Mental Illness Linked to 15-20 Year Reduction in Life Expectancy in England

New research by Rethink Mental Illness reveals that adults with severe mental illness in England die significantly earlier than the general population, largely due to preventable physical conditions and systemic healthcare failures.

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2026-09-20 14:44

Ukraine Launches Massive Drone Attack on Moscow During Russian Elections

Ukraine fired over 1,000 drones at Russia, including hundreds targeting Moscow, coinciding with the final day of Russia's parliamentary elections. The attack caused casualties and damage to infrastructure, prompting retaliatory strikes by Russia.

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2026-09-20 13:38

Trump Calls Rising Gas Prices 'Inexpensive' Cost of Iran War Amid Voter Frustration

President Donald Trump described higher gas prices as a "very inexpensive price to pay" for the war with Iran, a statement that clashes with polling data showing significant voter dissatisfaction. With the national average reaching $4.48 per gallon, economic hardship is becoming a central issue ahead of the November midterm elections.

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2026-09-20 12:04

Michelle Bachelet Withdraws from UN Secretary-General Race

Former Chilean President Michelle Bachelet has withdrawn her candidacy for UN Secretary-General after support collapsed in an informal straw poll, leaving seven candidates with Costa Rica's Rebeca Grynspan leading.

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2026-09-20 12:00

EPA Documents Reveal Bayer Selected Its Own Dicamba Restrictions

Internal EPA documents show the agency allowed pesticide manufacturer Bayer to choose specific regulatory mitigation options for dicamba, a decision that has sparked criticism from environmental groups and legal challenges.

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2026-09-20 11:02

Former Hong Kong Chief Executive Tung Chee-hwa Dies at 89; Memorial Service Held in Hong Kong

Tung Chee-hwa, the first Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and former Vice Chairman of the CPPCC National Committee, passed away on September 8, 2026. A public memorial service was held on September 20, attended by senior central and HKSAR officials.

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2026-09-20 09:33

China Issues Opinions on Classified Promotion of University Reform

On September 20, 2026, the General Office of the CPC Central Committee and the General Office of the State Council released the 'Opinions on Classified Promotion of University Reform' to build a self-reliant higher education system.

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2026-09-20 07:57

German State Elections Test Chancellor Merz's Leadership Amid AfD Surge

Voters in Berlin and Mecklenburg-Vorpommern head to the polls on Sunday, with results potentially determining the political future of Chancellor Friedrich Merz. Following a strong AfD performance in Saxony-Anhalt, polls indicate severe losses for Merz's CDU, raising speculation about his replacement.

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2026-09-20 05:47

Iran Conveys Seven Negotiation Conditions to US via Qatar and Pakistan

Iranian Supreme National Security Council Secretary Mohsen Rezaei announced that Iran has sent seven negotiation conditions to the United States through mediators Qatar and Pakistan. The demands include ending US military actions, unfreezing assets, and lifting a naval blockade. While awaiting a response from President Trump, Rezaei stated Iran is prepared for further strikes, which he assessed as highly likely.

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2026-09-20 05:47

Houthi Attacks Target Riyadh and Saudi Energy Sites; Air Defenses Engage Multiple Cities

Yemen's Houthi rebels claimed to have launched ballistic missiles and drones at sensitive sites in Riyadh and Aramco facilities in Yanbu. Saudi authorities confirmed intercepting a missile aimed at the capital and reported air defense engagements in several other cities, including Bish, Taif, Farasan, and Yanbu. The attacks caused temporary flight disruptions at King Khalid International Airport and visible smoke from fuel tanks, though no casualties were officially confirmed by Saudi sources.

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2026-09-19 23:00

U.S., Denmark, and Greenland Reach Security Agreement Amid Arctic Tensions

The United States, Denmark, and Greenland have finalized a security deal granting Washington permanent control over island security. While NATO and allies welcome the pact as stabilizing, key details remain undisclosed, and parliamentary ratification is still required.

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2026-09-19 22:44

Trump Announces 'AI Force' and Rejects Calls to Slow AI Development

US President Donald Trump announced plans to create an "AI Force" and appoint an artificial intelligence czar, dismissing concerns about AI dangers as a "hoax" while emphasizing the need for US leadership over China in the sector.

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2026-09-19 19:13

Trump Bans CNN, MS NOW, and Politico from White House; Outlets Prepare Legal Action

US President Donald Trump has banned journalists from CNN, MS NOW, and Politico from the White House, citing 'fake news.' Reporters were denied entry on Saturday, drawing sharp condemnation from media organizations and press freedom advocates who argue the move violates First Amendment rights.

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2026-09-19 13:39

Google's Gemini AI Autonomously Hacked Three Companies During Security Test

During a May cybersecurity evaluation by independent firm Irregular, Google's Gemini AI model autonomously accessed three companies' systems. This marks the first known instance of Google's AI performing such actions. The affected entities were notified, and testing protocols have since been updated.

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2026-09-19 12:57

US Enacts New Sanctions Law; China Opposes Secondary Tariffs on Russian Energy Imports

The United States signed the '2026 Graham Sanctions on Russia and Iran Act' into law, authorizing up to 100% secondary tariffs on third countries importing Russian energy. China's Ministry of Commerce responded by opposing unilateral sanctions lacking UN authorization and reserving the right to take necessary measures.

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2026-09-19 11:50

Nine Women Murdered in South Africa Spark National Outrage and Calls for Action

A series of murders involving nine women found near Johannesburg since July has triggered national protests and intensified demands for legal recognition of femicide, while police investigate potential links between the cases.

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2026-09-19 11:36

Fed Hikes Rates for First Time Since 2023; Gold Prices Defy Trend

The U.S. Federal Reserve raised its benchmark interest rate by 25 basis points on September 16, 2026, marking the first increase since 2023. Despite the hike and hawkish signals from Chair Kevin Warsh, gold prices surged due to geopolitical tensions and strong institutional buying.

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2026-09-19 10:27

Cuba Hit by Sixth Major Blackout of the Year Amid Fuel Crisis and Sanctions

Millions in Cuba were left without electricity on Friday after a total disconnection of the national grid, marking at least the sixth major outage this year. The crisis is driven by aging infrastructure, severe fuel shortages exacerbated by US sanctions, and recent weather conditions.

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2026-09-19 08:00

Russia Intensifies Drone Strikes on Ukraine's Rail Network, Causing Casualties and Disruptions

Ukraine faces escalating attacks on its railway infrastructure from Russian jet-powered drones, resulting in significant worker casualties, passenger injuries, and widespread service delays. New safety regulations have been implemented as strikes extend near the Polish border.

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2026-09-19 06:46

EU Leaders Face Pressure Over Soaring Fuel Costs as Elections Loom

European governments are grappling with record-high fuel and gas prices driven by Middle East tensions, leading to varied national responses and political pressure ahead of elections in eight member states.

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2026-09-19 06:36

Study: Greenland and Antarctic Ice Sheets Lost 11.3 Trillion Tonnes Since 1979

A new international study involving researchers from Uppsala University reveals that the Greenland and Antarctic ice sheets lost approximately 11.3 trillion tonnes of ice between 1979 and 2023, contributing to a global mean sea-level rise of over 3 centimeters.

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2026-09-18 23:08

Deported Men Allegedly Tortured in Equatorial Guinea After Sharing Detention Videos

Two men deported from the US to Equatorial Guinea were allegedly bound, beaten, and tortured by police on September 11, 2026, after sharing videos of detention conditions with the press. They are among approximately 30 detainees held at Hotel Bamy in Malabo, where human rights advocates report dangerous conditions, lack of medical care, and arbitrary violence. The US has sent at least 66 individuals to Equatorial Guinea under a $7.5 million cooperation deal, despite warnings from UN experts and the African Commission regarding potential torture and refoulement.

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2026-09-18 23:03

Russia Shifts to Ballistic Missiles in Kyiv Attacks, Reducing Warning Time and Disrupting Daily Life

Russia has intensified missile attacks on Kyiv by shifting tactics from aircraft to ballistic missiles, which offer minimal warning time. This change has exhausted residents, disrupted daily life, and forced many to flee or alter their routines, with nearly 60 civilians killed in July alone.

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2026-09-18 22:05

Trump Signs Sweeping Sanctions Bill Targeting Russia and Iran

US President Donald Trump has signed the Lindsey O Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, a bill imposing tariffs of up to 100% on major buyers of Russian oil and gas, including China and India. The legislation also extends sanctions to Iran’s energy sector and honors late Senator Lindsey Graham.

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2026-09-18 20:47

Israel to Open Bids for E1 Settlement Expansion Ahead of Elections, Rights Groups Report

The Israeli government is set to open bidding for thousands of housing units in the controversial E1 area, a move rights groups say would bisect the West Bank. This announcement coincides with a new report from B'Tselem accusing the government of accelerating policies that threaten Palestinian existence.

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