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Families in Nepal are holding symbolic funerals for their missing relatives a week after deadly floods. They use grass figures instead of bodies as chances of finding survivors become very small.
Key Facts
Severe floods hit Nepal about a week ago, causing many people to go missing.
Families cannot find the bodies of some loved ones lost in the floods.
They create effigies, or lifelike figures, from kusha grass to represent their missing relatives.
These symbolic funerals help families cope with the loss and say goodbye.
Rescue teams are still searching but hope for survivors is decreasing.
The floods caused widespread damage and disrupted many communities.
This practice reflects local customs for handling missing or deceased family members.
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A two-day strike by Kenyan aviation workers ended after government and union leaders reached a new agreement. Although flights have resumed, the underlying issues behind the strike, like salary talks and union recognition, still need to be resolved.
Key Facts
Kenyan aviation workers stopped working for two days starting August 30, disrupting flights at major airports.
The strike was caused by long-standing disputes over pay, union fees, and recognition issues, especially involving the low-cost airline Jambojet.
The Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU) and government agencies have made several agreements before, but problems continued.
Talks between union leaders, government officials, and aviation companies lasted overnight and ended early Tuesday.
The new deal allows workers to return to work and includes immediate payment of some owed union fees.
Negotiations will continue on other difficult topics like the collective bargaining agreement covering workers’ pay and conditions.
Government officials said unions should negotiate directly with individual employers and escalate unresolved issues to higher authorities.
Labor leaders acknowledged the workers’ issues but also apologized for the travel disruptions caused by the strike.
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A group of killer whales attacked a sailboat near the coast of Spain. The whales hit the boat hard enough to break off its rudder, which is the part that helps steer the boat. The captain of the sailboat spoke about the incident after it happened.
Key Facts
The attack happened off the coast of Spain.
A pod, or group, of killer whales were involved.
The whales rammed the sailboat.
The boat’s rudder was ripped off during the attack.
The captain of the sailboat shared information about the event.
No information on injuries or damage beyond the rudder was provided.
Killer whales are large, powerful marine animals known also as orcas.
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Japanese scientist Hideki Shirakawa, who won the 2000 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for discovering that plastics can conduct electricity, has died at age 90. His work with two American researchers led to new materials used in electronics like solar cells and phone screens.
Key Facts
Hideki Shirakawa was a Japanese chemist born in Tokyo in 1936.
He won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 2000 with Alan Heeger and Alan MacDiarmid.
Their discovery showed that certain plastics can conduct electricity like metals.
Shirakawa joined the University of Tsukuba in 1979 and worked there until his death.
He died on August 24 at a hospital in Yokohama, Japan.
Shirakawa earned a doctorate in engineering in 1966 from the Tokyo Institute of Technology.
His research began at the University of Pennsylvania with his American colleagues.
Their work helped create cheaper, lighter, and flexible conductive materials used in electronic devices.
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The Sultan of Oman, Haitham bin Tarik, will visit the UK for three days starting October 20, 2026. The visit comes as Oman faces pressure from both the U.S. and Iran over control of the Strait of Hormuz, a key oil shipping route.
Key Facts
Sultan Haitham bin Tarik will have a state visit in the UK from October 20 to 22, 2026.
King Charles III and Queen Camilla will host the Sultan at Windsor Castle.
Oman controls the southern shore of the Strait of Hormuz, an important route for global oil and gas shipping.
The Strait of Hormuz carries about 20% of the world’s oil and natural gas.
The visit follows President Donald Trump’s threat last month to bomb Oman over its moves toward an agreement with Iran about the Strait of Hormuz.
State visits in the UK involve formal events like horse-drawn carriage rides, troop reviews, state dinners, and meetings with government officials.
The last state visit by an Omani sultan to the UK was in 1982 with Sultan Qaboos bin Said.
King Charles had a private meeting with Sultan Haitham in Windsor Castle last year during a private visit.
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Gloria Steinem, a writer and leader in the fight for women's rights, died at the age of 92. Hillary Clinton spoke on CBS News about Steinem's life and the important role she played in advancing women's rights.
Key Facts
Gloria Steinem passed away at 92 years old.
She was known as a writer and a pioneer for women's rights.
Her death was announced by her foundation on Thursday.
Hillary Clinton, former U.S. Secretary of State, shared her thoughts on Steinem’s impact.
Clinton spoke about Steinem during a phone interview on CBS Mornings.
Steinem was considered a trailblazer for women’s equality.
The conversation focused on how Steinem influenced the women’s rights movement.
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UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham met with French President Emmanuel Macron to discuss the UK-EU relationship and shared challenges, especially illegal small boat crossings in the English Channel. They also talked about cooperation on defence and conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East.
Key Facts
Burnham and Macron met at 10 Downing Street to discuss UK-EU ties and issues like small boat crossings.
The topic of illegal "mega dinghies" carrying large numbers of migrants across the Channel was a key focus.
Small boat crossings to the UK fell 43% between January and September 2026 compared to the previous year.
Over 16,500 people crossed the Channel by small boat in 2026 so far; most claim asylum upon arrival.
Boats have become more crowded, carrying on average 68 people, which makes crossings more dangerous.
At least 84 people died trying to cross the Channel in 2024.
Macron’s visit also included events related to the Bayeux Tapestry loaned to the British Museum.
Discussions included broader topics like UK-EU cooperation on defence and conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East.
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The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) warns that El Nino will become extremely strong and continue into early 2027. This natural weather event will likely cause more droughts, floods, and heat waves around the world.
Key Facts
El Nino is a natural weather pattern that warms the central and eastern Pacific Ocean.
WMO says there is almost a 100% chance El Nino will last through February 2025.
This El Nino could be the strongest since modern monitoring began about 40 years ago.
The event will peak near the end of 2024 but its effects will last into 2027.
El Nino contributes to global heat by warming the ocean, which then releases heat into the air.
The 2023-24 El Nino helped make 2024 the warmest year on record so far.
El Nino is not caused by climate change, but it makes heatwaves and extreme weather worse.
The WMO advises governments and sectors like agriculture and energy to prepare for severe weather impacts.
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Dolly Parton's star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame was vandalized and scratched after her death last week. The star has now been repaired and replaced, with the new star set to be unveiled soon to honor her legacy.
Key Facts
Dolly Parton died last week at age 80.
Her Hollywood Walk of Fame star, awarded in 1984, was vandalized with scratches.
Flowers, candles, and photos were left by fans at the star before repairs.
The Hollywood Historic Trust and Chamber of Commerce replaced the star.
The new star will be revealed on Friday for public viewing.
Dolly Parton was laid to rest privately in Nashville next to her husband.
Her theme park, Dollywood, plans to add a waterfall and stained-glass windows as memorials.
Dollywood will also introduce a new character called the Dream Maker to honor her work with children.
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Gloria Steinem, a key figure in the women's rights movement, died at age 92. Dolly Parton, a singer and businesswoman who lived by similar ideas about women's independence but avoided feminist labels, died recently at age 80. Both women showed different ways women can live with control over their own lives.
Key Facts
Gloria Steinem was a leader in organizing for women's equality and co-founded important women's groups.
She gave women language to speak about inequality and oppression.
Dolly Parton was known for her glamorous style and building a career on her own terms.
Parton controlled her image, wrote her own songs, and became a successful businesswoman.
Steinem praised Parton for using symbols of traditional femininity to empower herself.
Parton avoided calling herself a feminist but supported some feminist goals like equal pay.
Parton believed in setting an example rather than preaching beliefs.
Both women died within weeks of each other in 2024.
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Gloria Steinem, a journalist and important figure in the women's rights movement, died at the age of 92. She helped start Ms. Magazine, which focused on issues important to women.
Key Facts
Gloria Steinem died at age 92.
She was a journalist.
She co-founded Ms. Magazine.
She was a key leader in the women's liberation movement.
Her foundation announced her death on social media.
Steinem was known for promoting women's rights and equality.
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Four people have been charged with murdering a newborn baby found dead at a house in Sheffield. The baby suffered multiple stab wounds, and the accused will go on trial in April 2027.
Key Facts
The baby girl suffered 33 wounds from 15 different stabbings.
She was found on top of a washing machine in an outhouse at a home in Holywell Heights, Sheffield.
Andrea Skopova (20), Peter Horvath (19 and 38), and Nina Horvathova (37), all Slovakian nationals, are charged with murder.
A 15-year-old girl is charged with trying to cover up the crime (perverting the course of justice).
The adults were kept in custody until the next hearing in October; the 15-year-old was sent to youth custody.
The accused also face charges for causing or allowing the baby’s death and cleaning the crime scene.
The trial is scheduled to start on April 12, 2027, and could last six to seven weeks.
Two other women, aged 26 and 37, were arrested but are currently out on bail.
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Large wildfires in Indonesia have caused thick, toxic haze that is spreading to Malaysia, Singapore, and the Philippines. This smoke has made the air very unhealthy, causing many people to have breathing problems, especially children. The fires are worsened by a strong El Niño weather pattern and human activities like clearing land for farming.
Key Facts
Wildfires have been burning since mid-July in Indonesia’s Sumatra and Borneo regions.
The smoke has created pollution levels over 15 times higher than what the World Health Organization recommends.
Over 50,000 cases of respiratory illnesses linked to the fires were reported in Indonesia between July and August.
More than 12,000 of these cases are children under five years old.
The fires are partly caused by drought worsened by a strong El Niño weather event.
Many fires are linked to land clearing for plantations and farming, involving the use of fire to clear big areas.
Peatlands, which normally hold a lot of carbon and help fight climate change, are burning and releasing large amounts of carbon into the air.
The smoke and haze are affecting air quality and health in neighboring countries like Malaysia, Singapore, and the Philippines.
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The death toll from severe flash floods at the Nepal-Tibet border has risen to 1,252, with over 4,200 people still missing. Rescue efforts are ongoing, with thousands rescued and injured being treated, as security forces and aid groups continue working to help survivors.
Key Facts
The floods occurred due to part of a glacier breaking at the Nepal-Tibet border.
1,252 people have died, and around 4,216 remain missing as of the latest update.
China reported 16 deaths and 546 missing on its side of the border, bringing the total missing to over 4,700 across both countries.
Nearly 12,000 people have been rescued through combined international and local help.
About 21,500 security personnel are working to find more survivors and speed up rescue operations.
Over 5,000 people are currently receiving medical treatment for injuries caused by the floods.
The disaster has raised concerns about climate change and extreme weather linked to a strong El Niño forecast.
The Nepali government plans to shift focus toward long-term recovery and rebuilding efforts.
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The U.S. military intercepted and sank a boat in the eastern Pacific Ocean that was allegedly used by the Ecuadorian drug group Los Choneros as a floating refueling station to help traffick drugs. This operation follows a similar U.S. action last week, both conducted with the support of the Ecuadorian government.
Key Facts
The U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) led the operation to stop a vessel supporting Los Choneros, a major Ecuadorian drug gang.
The boat acted as a floating refueling station to assist drug trafficking in international waters.
The crew was safely transferred to Ecuadorian authorities without any violence.
This was the second such vessel destroyed by the U.S. in about a week as part of ongoing efforts.
The U.S. military has been conducting "Operation Southern Spear" targeting drug traffickers since last year.
The operation was coordinated with Ecuador’s government, which supports U.S. efforts against drug trafficking.
Families of fishermen lost contact with some crew members after military forces approached, but it is unclear if these fishermen were on the targeted boat.
President Donald Trump supports a hard stance against drug cartels in Latin America and has allied with Ecuador’s President Daniel Noboa on this issue.
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Liechtenstein's parliament voted 13-12 to legalize abortion during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy and to allow health insurance to cover the procedure. However, the country's ruler, Hereditary Prince Alois, has threatened to veto the law, making it unlikely to come into effect.
Key Facts
The vote was based on a citizens' initiative led by women to change existing strict abortion laws.
Abortion is currently only allowed in Liechtenstein when the woman's life is at risk or the pregnancy is from rape.
Abortion outside these cases can lead to jail times for both the provider and the woman involved.
About 80% of Liechtenstein's 41,000 people are Roman Catholic, and the Church opposes abortion.
The last referendum in 2011 rejected legalizing abortion by a small margin.
Hereditary Prince Alois has the power to veto laws and has said he opposes this abortion legalization.
Women currently travel to nearby countries for abortions, but these procedures are not covered by Liechtenstein health insurance.
The proposed 12-week limit on abortion matches rules in many European countries.
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A pastor and an imam said they were tricked into attending a religious event in New York. The event focused on Hindu unity and was connected to the Hindutva group called Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and its leader Mohan Bhagwat.
Key Facts
The event took place in New York last month.
It was promoted as a ‘Hindu unity’ gathering.
The event was linked to the RSS, a Hindu nationalist group.
Mohan Bhagwat is the leader of the RSS.
The pastor and imam said they did not know the event’s true connection before attending.
They said they felt misled, or “duped,” about the event’s purpose.
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A 16-year-old boy stabbed his teacher, Vicki Williams, in the head with a kitchen knife at school after asking for help with his homework. He was sentenced to four-and-a-half years in youth detention for wounding with intent but was found not guilty of attempted murder.
Key Facts
The attack happened at Milford Haven Comprehensive School in Pembrokeshire on 5 February.
The boy followed the teacher into an empty classroom and suddenly stabbed her in the head.
The teacher feared she might die and suffered injuries to her head, back, and hands.
The boy was found guilty of wounding with intent but not guilty of attempted murder.
The boy said he brought the knife as part of a "game" with friends and claimed the stabbing was an accident.
He admitted to having a knife on school grounds, which is illegal.
The teacher will start therapy for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
The judge sentenced the boy to four-and-a-half years in youth detention, noting the attack showed planning.
The boy is expected to be released after serving half the sentence, depending on certain rules.
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Bosnian Serb and Serbian leaders continue to deny that the genocide during the Bosnian War happened. There is strong evidence proving that a genocide took place.
Key Facts
The genocide occurred during the Bosnian War in the early 1990s.
It involved the mass killing of Bosniak (Bosnian Muslim) civilians.
Thousands of people were killed in acts recognized as genocide by international courts.
Despite this, some leaders in Bosnia and Serbia deny the genocide.
Denying the genocide is seen as disrespectful to the victims and survivors.
International courts have officially ruled that the killings were genocide.
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Dozens of workers are missing after flash floods hit hydropower plants in Nepal. Officials believe at least 46 workers trapped in an underground chamber of the Rasuwagadhi hydropower plant may still be alive, as they could have food, water, and air pockets.
Key Facts
Deadly flash floods occurred in Nepal from a glacier collapse on the Nepal-China border.
At least 1,252 people have died, and more than 4,200 remain missing due to the floods.
The floods destroyed hydropower plants, villages, bridges, and caused 2.2 million tonnes of debris.
More than 270 people have been rescued so far from the hydropower projects.
46 workers are believed trapped but alive inside an underground chamber at Rasuwagadhi hydropower plant.
Rescue teams are using heavy machinery to reach trapped workers in tunnels blocked by mud and debris.
The Rasuwagadhi and Upper Trishuli 3A hydropower plants are key rescue locations with possible survivors.
The area around Rasuwagadhi is remote and difficult to access except by helicopter.
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