World

Sweden's left bloc narrowly edges out Kristersson's right-wing coalition
After all votes were counted in Sweden's parliamentary election, the left-wing bloc came out narrowly ahead of Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson's right-wing coalition. The Social Democrats won the most votes, boosting former PM Magdalena Andersson's chances of returning to power.
Delfi · 17 Sept, 16:44

Torrential rain floods Valencia and Catalonia, one killed in Spain
Heavy rainstorms flooded large parts of Valencia and Catalonia in eastern Spain on 17 September, disrupting transport and killing one person. Near Olivella, a man died after his car was swept away by a swollen stream.
Euronews · 17 Sept, 15:50

Kremlin criticizes new US sanctions bill against Russia passed by House
The US House of Representatives has approved a new sanctions bill targeting Russia, with the Kremlin warning it could hinder efforts to end the war in Ukraine. The bill now heads to President Donald Trump for signature.
Latvijas Avīze · 17 Sept, 15:49

Man Suspected in London Bus-Shove Incident Found Dead, British Media Report
British news outlets report that a man who had been suspected of pushing a woman into the path of a moving bus in Putney, London, in 2017 has been found dead. His family says there is "no credible evidence" linking him to the incident.
The New York Times · 17 Sept, 15:49
UN-backed experts say U.S. may have committed war crimes in Iran, including school attack
Human rights experts commissioned by the United Nations say they have found "reasonable grounds" to believe the United States committed war crimes in Iran, including a strike on a school in the southern city of Minab.
NPR World · 17 Sept, 15:46

Father pays tribute to 'sweetest little boy' Noah after search tragedy
A three-year-old boy, Noah Woods, was found dead in a pond in Suffolk, England, after disappearing from a playground and sparking a massive search involving over 1,300 people. His father shared a heartfelt tribute thanking the community for their support.
BBC England · 17 Sept, 15:45

Estonian PM: budget agreement to be reached by next cabinet meeting
Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal said an agreement on next year's state budget will be reached by next Thursday's government meeting. The main point of contention remains the pace of deficit reduction.
ERR (rus) · 17 Sept, 15:44

Kallas: Russia's hybrid attacks aim to erode Europe's support for Ukraine
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas warns that Russian sabotage, cyberattacks and stray drones are meant to frighten Europeans away from backing Ukraine, while noting a growing bloc of MEPs who downplay the Russian threat.
ERR News · 17 Sept, 15:44

Swedish PM Kristersson resigns after narrow election defeat
Sweden's Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson has resigned after his right-wing bloc narrowly lost to the centre-left opposition in the country's general election. Social Democrat leader Magdalena Andersson is expected to return to power.
BBC World · 17 Sept, 15:43

Sweden's left claims narrow election win
Sweden's left-wing bloc has secured a razor-thin victory in national elections, putting Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson and his far-right-backed government on course for defeat.
Politico Europe · 17 Sept, 14:53

Russian attempt to encircle Kostiantynivka has failed, Ukrainian commander says
A Ukrainian military commander says Russia's two-pronged plan to encircle the city of Kostiantynivka has failed and the ring around it will not close.
Euromaidan Press · 17 Sept, 14:46
US court sentences ISIS-K member who aided Moscow concert hall attackers to 20 years
A U.S. court sentenced Afghan citizen Mohammad Sharifullah to 20 years in prison over ties to ISIS-K and his role in aiding the 2024 attack on Crocus City Hall near Moscow. The Justice Department said he was involved in more than a dozen terrorist attacks worldwide.
Meduza · 17 Sept, 14:45

Family denies dead man was the so-called 'Putney pusher'
The family of Nicholas Brandram has publicly stated that the deceased man was not the individual referred to in the media as the "Putney pusher".
BBC England · 17 Sept, 14:44

US Congress passes sweeping Russia sanctions bill, Democrats warn of loopholes
The US House passed a bill 262-159 giving Trump power to impose tariffs on top buyers of Russian energy, but Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries warned the legislation contains too many loopholes.
The Guardian World · 17 Sept, 13:50
Trump says direct Iran talks under way, hints war could be nearing its end
US President Donald Trump says Washington is engaged in direct talks with Iran and that the war with Iran is 'hopefully toward the end,' while global energy prices remain elevated.
Al Jazeera · 17 Sept, 13:47

Ukraine's parliament backs stronger oversight of law enforcement and prosecutors in first reading
Ukraine's Verkhovna Rada has approved in first reading a bill to strengthen parliamentary control over law enforcement bodies and the prosecutor's office, with 240 lawmakers voting in favor.
Pravda — ziņas · 17 Sept, 13:46

Brussels seeks to ease Trump's anger over plan to make Canada an EU associate member
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has proposed that Canada become an "associate member" of the EU through a new "Alliance for the Future," while Brussels works to calm US President Donald Trump's displeasure over the offer.
Politico Europe · 17 Sept, 13:46

Canada's Carney Urges Closer Alliance With E.U.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney told European lawmakers that a closer alliance with the E.U. would strengthen Canada's sovereignty and independence, as ties with the United States hit a historic low.
The New York Times · 17 Sept, 13:44

South Africa confirms ninth woman's body found amid string of unexplained deaths
South African police have confirmed a ninth woman's body has been discovered in two months in the Ekurhuleni area near Johannesburg, raising alarm over a possible series of killings. Authorities say it is not yet established whether the deaths are linked.
BBC World · 17 Sept, 13:44

Russian drone strike on civilian ship in Black Sea kills captain
On September 17, a Russian drone struck a civilian ship in the Black Sea, killing the vessel's captain. The ship was sailing under the Tanzanian flag and heading toward a Ukrainian port.
Jauns.lv · 17 Sept, 13:43
Residents Living Beside Mexico's Heavily Polluted Reservoir Say Illness Is Everywhere
A New York Times video report shows life next to the highly polluted Endhó Dam in Mexico, where residents say sickness is widespread in the area.
The New York Times · 17 Sept, 12:51
Opinion piece calls for a new term — 'pernicious states'
An Al Jazeera opinion article argues that international relations vocabulary lacks a term for powerful states whose actions cause global harm. The author points to an asymmetry in terminology that labels weak states but not strong ones.
Al Jazeera · 17 Sept, 12:49

Trump Administration Loosens Rules for UFO Whistleblowers, but Gaps Remain
The US Defense Department issued a legal waiver allowing service members and contractors to share UAP-related information with the White House's PURSUE program. Critics say the move excludes the CIA and private contractors, leaving major gaps.
Wired · 17 Sept, 12:48

Number of injured in Russian attack on Kyiv rises to 20
The number of people injured in Russia's September 17 missile and drone attack on Kyiv has risen to 20, with five hospitalized, Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said.
Pravda — ziņas · 17 Sept, 12:43

EU Weighs Using Unspent Defense Billions for Joint Projects With Ukraine
The European Union has several billion euros in unused defense funds that it is considering directing toward joint projects with Ukraine. The initiative could draw more Ukrainian defense companies into Europe's defense industry.
Euromaidan Press · 17 Sept, 12:43

Ukraine destroys six Russian military aircraft in drone strike near Rostov
Overnight on September 17, Ukrainian special forces used long-range drones to destroy six Russian military aircraft at an airfield near Rostov-on-Don, President Volodymyr Zelensky reported.
Jauns.lv · 17 Sept, 12:43

Tories urge government to rule out tax rises ahead of budget
With under six weeks until the UK budget, the shadow chancellor is pressing ministers to rule out tax increases, while the Conservative leader's attack on a Bank of England appointment has drawn criticism.
The Guardian World · 17 Sept, 11:49

EU unveils plan to limit children's access to social media
The European Commission has proposed a gradual restriction on social media use by children and teenagers across the bloc, under a new initiative called the EU Kids Act.
BBC World · 17 Sept, 11:47

Servant of the People faction gains new MP in Ukraine's parliament
Kyiv resident Dmytro Vydolob has been sworn in as a member of Ukraine's Verkhovna Rada and joined the Servant of the People faction, taking up a mandate another elected candidate had declined.
Pravda — ziņas · 17 Sept, 11:45

New MP joins Ukraine's "Servant of the People" faction
Dmytro Vydolob has been sworn in as a member of Ukraine's parliament and joined the "Servant of the People" faction, taking a mandate vacated by another elected deputy.
Ukrainska Pravda · 17 Sept, 11:45

Maddox Jolie-Pitt legally drops father Brad Pitt's surname
A Los Angeles court has approved the request by Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt's eldest son Maddox to change his surname from Jolie-Pitt to Jolie. He becomes the fourth of the couple's six children to abandon his father's name.
Jauns.lv · 17 Sept, 11:44

Estonia criticized over plan to have ER departments determine intoxication
Estonia's Interior Ministry is drafting amendments that would let emergency rooms determine intoxication levels for people suspected of driving under the influence of drugs. Critics warn this would further overload already strained emergency departments.
ERR (rus) · 17 Sept, 11:43

Merz faces resignation threat as party ratings collapse
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz could face resignation just 16 months into office, as senior party members privately discuss a leadership change ahead of key state elections. His party's support has fallen to a record low while the far-right AfD leads national polls.
Pravda — ziņas · 17 Sept, 10:47

German Chancellor Merz Faces Possible Resignation Amid Party's Record-Low Ratings
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz's party faces two critical state elections expected to bring heavy losses, prompting private discussions within the party about replacing him. His personal approval has fallen to just 14%.
Ukrainska Pravda · 17 Sept, 10:47

RAND Europe Researcher: Space Militarisation Cannot Be Reduced to a Civilian-or-Military Label
In a France 24 interview, RAND Europe researcher Mélusine Lebret explains that growing militarisation of space does not remove states' mutual dependence on cooperation to keep space usable.
France 24 · 17 Sept, 10:47
Ukrainian drones ignite fire at Russian oil refinery, knock out power in parts of Rostov-on-Don
Overnight drone strikes on Russia's Yaroslavl and Rostov regions caused a fire at an oil refinery and cut electricity to several districts of Rostov-on-Don. No casualties were reported.
Meduza · 17 Sept, 10:45