A Russian drone struck a passenger train locomotive Sept. 13 at Yahodyn station in western Ukraine, about 2 kilometers from the Polish border, in what Ukrainian officials say may have been an attempt to kill a group of senior Western diplomats . The 206-passenger train, bound for Warsaw, had been evacuated 15 minutes before impact — leaving no casualties . Ukrainian state railway operator Ukrzaliznytsia said it is 'highly probable' that the intended target was a diplomatic train that had departed the station ahead of schedule .

That diplomatic train carried former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson, former Swedish Prime Minister Carl Bildt, EU security advisers from several member states, and Günter Sautter, an adviser to German Chancellor Friedrich Merz . Former Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) Director David Petraeus was on a separate train still at the station when the drone struck . Ukrzaliznytsia's Central Monitoring Group detected the incoming drone in time to issue the evacuation order .

Johnson described the attack on the stationary locomotive as 'random and senseless' on social media and called for the unfreezing of over €140 billion in Russian assets held in Belgium and roughly £10 billion in London . Bildt credited the railway's safety systems, saying their train received only an evacuation warning before the drone arrived .

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called the strike 'deliberate,' while Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha denounced it as 'Putin's terror knocking directly at the doors of the EU and NATO,' calling for harsher consequences against Moscow . A second Russian drone struck a fuel station near the Dorohusk-Yahodyn border crossing, setting two trucks on fire, according to Poland's interior ministry .

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk declared that 'the escalation from the Russian side has now become a reality,' warning that Russia may attempt to destroy Ukrainian border crossings in the coming weeks in ways that could affect Poland . Two Polish border crossings were temporarily closed, evacuating several hundred people before operations resumed by the afternoon .

Russia's Ministry of Defense claimed its strikes targeted railway infrastructure used to transport military cargo from European countries — a characterization that Poland's Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski rejected, calling the attack an 'escalation' that endangered Polish citizens . Zelenskyy confirmed the locomotive was set on fire and a gas station damaged .

The attack is part of a broader Russian campaign against Ukraine's rail network, which has become the country's primary transport mode since air travel was suspended after Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022 . Russian strikes on rail infrastructure over the prior two days have caused delays of up to 18 hours and 20 minutes on some routes . Previous attacks on rail targets include a January strike in Kharkiv that killed five people and a depot attack in Kyiv that killed six railway workers .

Meanwhile, at the BRICS summit in India, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said Putin discussed the war with Chinese President Xi Jinping, who offered to help facilitate peace talks, with potential Russia-Ukraine-U.S. discussions possibly resuming in October .

New voices — including AI pioneers, legislators, and skeptics — joined the debate Sept. 13 over Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei's call to slow artificial intelligence development, as fresh details emerged about the dangers that prompted the warning .

Geoffrey Hinton, widely called the "godfather of AI," said a 10% risk of human extinction from AI over the next decade is "not unreasonable" . Stuart Russell, a professor of AI at the University of California, Berkeley, warned that "competition between companies drives them to take shortcuts in safety" . Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates called for nuclear-style safety inspections and aviation-style regulations for the AI industry .

Amodei's essay cited an Anthropic threat intelligence report covering December 2025 through August 2026, which documented attempts to use the company's Claude models for cyber warfare, automated surveillance, fraud, and biological weapons development . Separately, Anthropic disclosed it developed a model called "Mythos" to identify long-undetected software vulnerabilities for government and corporate clients .

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman confirmed to Fortune that a public stock offering in 2026 is "not feasible," citing the need for significant safety and alignment work and collaboration with governments . OpenAI has also asked the US Congress to clarify whether coordinated industry slowdowns could be interpreted as antitrust collusion .

Support for a slowdown extends into legislatures. More than 70 UK members of parliament urged a ban on the development of Artificial Superintelligence . The US Senate is considering "duty of care" mandates for high-risk AI models . A Pew Research Center survey found that 63% of Americans believe AI is advancing too fast .

Not all voices align with the alarm. Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg argued that slowing development would cede ground to China . Y Combinator CEO Garry Tan and former Google AI ethics researcher Timnit Gebru cautioned against vague apocalypse narratives and rushed legislation . The White House, under President Donald Trump, has also argued that the pace of development must be maintained to stay competitive with China .

The calls for caution stand in contrast to industry actions. Anthropic released a new model called Fable 5.1 and is pursuing an initial public offering (IPO) valued at approximately $2 trillion, after accepting a $10 billion investment from Nvidia . OpenAI updated ChatGPT within the past month . Amodei, for his part, clarified that he is not calling for a halt to AI research, but rather for a managed pace where safety research and oversight keep up with capability gains .

Chinese President Xi Jinping touched down in New Delhi in the early hours of Sept. 12 for the 18th BRICS Summit, and a bilateral meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is now confirmed for the same day . The meeting will be the third consecutive year the two leaders have met, following summits in Kazan and Tianjin . Xi's delegation includes Cai Qi, a member of the CPC Standing Committee, and Foreign Minister Wang Yi .

The confirmed bilateral removes the chief uncertainty that shadowed the summit's buildup. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said China aims to "handle bilateral relations from a strategic height and long-term perspective, step up communication, enhance cooperation, properly handle differences" . The talks are expected to cover management of the Line of Actual Control (LAC), trade imbalances, and an eight-point consensus on boundary delimitation reached Aug. 25 between Indian National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Wang Yi in Beijing .

Other leaders arrived ahead of the Sept. 12 opening. Russian President Vladimir Putin held a bilateral meeting with Modi, and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian met Modi as well, citing "critical and dangerous" pressure on Iran from what he described as "military aggression by the United States and Israel" . Diplomatic insiders flagged the UAE's decision to send its Crown Prince rather than a minister as a notable sign of elevated engagement .

Delhi is under heavy security for the event, with 15,000 police officers and 200 paramilitary companies deployed across 35 major roads and 22 designated points . No-fly restrictions have been imposed over Xi's hotel, and specialized teams have been positioned against chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear threats . Tibetan students staged a protest at Majnu Ka Tila against Xi's visit .

On the economic front, BRICS finance ministers issued a joint statement opposing unilateral tariffs — widely understood as a reference to the United States — as India explores local currency trade alternatives to reduce dependence on the US dollar . After the summit concludes Sept. 13, China will assume the BRICS rotating chair .

Norway laid King Harald V to rest Sept. 9 in Oslo, with an estimated 53,000 people lining the procession route and 181,000 gathering in the city center, according to Norwegian police incident commander Tomm Berger . A 21-gun salute opened the procession as the coffin, draped in the Norwegian royal standard, traveled by cannon carriage from the Royal Palace to Oslo Cathedral . New King Haakon VIII and senior royals walked behind the coffin, while Queen Sonja, 89, and Queen Mette-Marit — still recovering from a lung transplant — traveled by car .

At the cathedral service, Queen Sonja laid a rose on the coffin . Her family's floral tributes carried intimate messages: Sonja's wreath read, "Thank you for this beautiful life," while Princess Märtha Louise's read, "Thank you for everything, dear father, grandfather, and father-in-law. We love you so much" . Crown Princess Ingrid Alexandra was seen placing a hand on the shoulder of her grieving younger brother, Prince Sverre Magnus, during a hymn performance . Swedish Crown Princess Victoria — who had flown back from Indonesia two days earlier — delivered the Franciscan prayer, "Lord, make me an instrument of your peace," as a tribute to her godfather .

Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre praised Harald for "giving his all for Norway," pointing to the king's steady presence during the July 22, 2011, terrorist attacks in Oslo and on Utøya Island . Storting President Masud Gharahkhani called Harald a monarch "close to the people" who "wasn't afraid to meet people in his rubber boots," citing a 2008 New Year's address in which Harald said, "I wish we would stop using the term 'the weakest in society.' In reality, some of these people are among the strongest of us all" .

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, whose attendance drew notable attention, received applause from the crowd after the service and held a private meeting with Støre beforehand . King Harald had consistently voiced support for Ukraine throughout his reign . French President Emmanuel Macron did not attend, sending Defense Minister Sébastien Lecornu in his place . The United States sent Deputy Secretary of State for Political Affairs Allison Hucker .

Following the service, four F-35 jets flew in a missing-man formation over the cathedral . Harald's coffin was then carried to the crypt of Akershus Fortress to the sound of Chopin's "Funeral March," where he was interred in a sarcophagus costing 20 million Norwegian kroner (approximately $14 million) . The national mourning period officially ended when Haakon VIII exited the crypt .

Marius Borg Høiby, Mette-Marit's son who is under house arrest following a conviction for rape and domestic violence, attended the service and served as a pall-bearer during the coffin transfer, though he did not walk in the procession . A Norstat poll for broadcaster NRK published Sept. 1 found 72% of Norwegians support the monarchy — up 8 points from May, though down from a high before a period of royal scandals, when support had dipped to 60% in February amid controversy over Mette-Marit's past links to Jeffrey Epstein and Høiby's legal troubles .

Apple TV's horror-comedy series 'Widow's Bay' shattered Emmy records Sept. 15, 2026, winning 14 awards at the 78th Primetime Emmy Awards in Los Angeles — the most wins ever by a comedy series in a single season . The show surpassed the previous record of 13 wins set by 'The Studio' the prior year .

'Widow's Bay' centers on Mayor Tom Loftis, played by Matthew Rhys, who tries to revitalize a cursed island town off the coast of New England into a tourist destination . The series, created by former 'Parks & Recreation' writer Katie Dippold, blended "genuine horror with character-driven comedy" after Dippold spent nearly two decades developing the pilot . The show premiered April 29, 2026, on Apple TV .

Key wins for 'Widow's Bay' included:

• Outstanding Comedy Series
• Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy – Matthew Rhys
• Outstanding Supporting Actor – Stephen Root
• Outstanding Supporting Actress – Kate O'Flynn
• Outstanding Directing – Hiro Murai
• Outstanding Writing – Katie Dippold

Rhys made history as the first actor to win lead acting awards in two different categories on the same night, also taking home Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series for his role in Netflix's 'The Beast in Me' . Combined with his 2018 drama win for 'The Americans,' Rhys became the first male performer to win lead Emmy acting prizes across all three major series categories .

In the drama category, HBO's medical series 'The Pitt' won Outstanding Drama Series for the second consecutive year, with Noah Wyle repeating as Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama for his portrayal of Dr. "Robby" Robinavitch . 'The Pitt' led all nominees with 25 nominations but converted only 7 into wins . Rhea Seehorn won Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama for the new series 'Pluribus' .

Jean Smart claimed her fifth Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy for 'Hacks,' becoming the first performer ever to win the award for every season of a show's run . The win brought Smart's career total to eight Emmys, tying the all-time record for an actor or actress .

Sally Field won Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited Series or Movie for 'Remarkably Bright Creatures,' becoming the oldest winner ever in that category at age 79 . HBO's miniseries 'DTF St. Louis' won Outstanding Limited or Anthology Series, with supporting wins for David Harbour and Linda Cardellini, and directing and writing honors for creator Steven Conrad .

'The Late Show with Stephen Colbert' won Outstanding Variety Series — an ironic triumph that came just months after CBS announced the show's cancellation in May 2026 . In his acceptance speech, Colbert praised the show's 200-person staff as a "professional incubator for young talent" .

The ceremony, hosted by Mariska Hargitay and celebrating NBC's 100th anniversary, honored several recently deceased figures . Sally Field and Reba McEntire paid tribute to Dolly Parton, who died Aug. 25 at age 80 . Macaulay Culkin, Annie Murphy, and Dan Levy remembered Catherine O'Hara, who died in January 2026 . The ceremony also recognized Rob Reiner, who was assassinated in December 2025 in Los Angeles, with a posthumous Emmy . Michael J. Fox received the Bob Hope Humanitarian Award for his Parkinson's disease advocacy .

Saudi Arabia officially confirmed Sept. 11 that drones launched from Iraq's southern province of Maysan struck its East-West oil pipeline Sept. 10, causing injuries and infrastructure damage that forced a precautionary shutdown of the strategic artery . The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated the drones targeted the pipeline in the Riyadh and Medina regions, hitting at least two pumping stations, with satellite imagery showing extensive fires at one facility . Saudi Aramco had not commented on the full extent of damage to the pipeline itself as of Friday evening .

The pipeline — known as Petroline — stretches 1,200 kilometers from Abqaiq near the Persian Gulf to the Red Sea port of Yanbu, with a maximum capacity of 7 million barrels per day . It became Saudi Arabia's primary oil export route after Iran's blockade of the Strait of Hormuz shut that passage to commercial shipping earlier this year . Analysts caution that the 7 million barrel figure represents maximum capacity, not actual export volume .

Saudi crude production had already collapsed to 6.238 million barrels per day in August — the lowest level since 1990 — compared to an average of 9.4 million barrels per day the prior year, according to Bloomberg . The International Energy Agency reported Saudi oil exports dropped to roughly 6 million barrels per day in August, the lowest in more than three decades . Brent crude settled at approximately $104.61 per barrel Friday, ending the week nearly 9% higher .

Riyadh chose not to retaliate, at the explicit request of Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi, who condemned the attacks as aggression against a "brother nation" and ordered an urgent investigation . Iraq subsequently dismissed the chief of its Maysan Operations Command in response to the incident . The Saudi Foreign Ministry stressed that the kingdom "reserves the right to take all necessary measures to protect its sovereignty, its security, its facilities and its inhabitants" .

Multiple sources attribute the drones to Iran-backed Shiite militias operating in Iraq . The pipeline suffered a prior attack in late July, also blamed on Iran-allied militias, marking a pattern of escalating strikes on Saudi energy infrastructure . The latest attack is the second major blow to Saudi Arabia's export capacity in two days, following the Houthi seizure of the Bab al-Mandab Strait Sept. 11, which closed Saudi Arabia's Red Sea shipping lane .

Manchester United returned to the UEFA Champions League after a 1,003-day absence with a 4-0 rout of Azerbaijani debutants Sabah FK at Old Trafford Sept. 10 . Manager Michael Carrick, making his first Champions League appearance as United's permanent manager, watched his side dominate the match with 58% possession, 21 shots to Sabah's 10, and 10 shots on target compared to zero for the visitors .

Matheus Cunha opened the scoring in the 27th minute following a cross from Patrick Dorgu . Bruno Fernandes doubled the lead in the 42nd minute, assisted by Youri Tielemans, marking his fourth goal in four matches this season . Benjamin Sesko added a third just before halftime in the 45th minute after a pass from Brian Mbeumo, and Lisandro Martinez sealed the win in the 68th minute .

The victory highlighted the vast gulf between the two clubs. Manchester United's squad carries a market value of €924 million compared to Sabah's €19 million — less than United striker Sesko's transfer fee of €76.5 million . Sabah, founded in September 2017, became the youngest club in Champions League history after winning four qualifying rounds to reach the group stage .

United's last Champions League campaign ended in the 2023/24 season, when the club finished last in its group with four points, behind Galatasaray, Copenhagen, and Bayern Munich . The Red Devils last lifted the Champions League trophy in the 2007/08 season, defeating Chelsea in the final . Carrick praised the team's performance after the match, saying it was '"nice to have a clean sheet"' and highlighted midfielder Kobbie Mainoo's '"massive influence"' on the game .

United next face Manchester City in the Premier League Sept. 13 at Old Trafford, before traveling to face Atletico Madrid in the Champions League Oct. 13 . Sabah will host Slavia Prague in their next Champions League match on the same date .

A Russian drone struck a passenger train at Yahodyn station, just 2 kilometers from the Ukrainian border with Poland, minutes after a diplomatic train carrying former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson, former Swedish Prime Minister Carl Bildt, and former U.S. Central Intelligence Agency Director David Petraeus departed the same station ahead of schedule . Ukraine's state rail operator, Ukrzaliznytsia, stated it is 'highly probable' the drone's intended target was the diplomatic train, which had been returning from the Yalta European Strategy conference in Kyiv . No casualties were reported among the 206 passengers aboard the struck train, as it had been evacuated before impact .

A second Russian drone struck a gas station near the Yahodyn-Dorohusk border crossing, temporarily forcing its closure . Bildt confirmed the attack in a post on X, writing, 'This wasn't our train, but the one just minutes after us by the border crossing' . Johnson condemned the attack as 'random and senseless' , while Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy accused Moscow of 'intentionally' targeting the train and warned that such attacks threaten to spread the war into Europe .

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk convened an emergency meeting in Warsaw and warned that Russia could escalate hostilities in the 'coming weeks,' stating, 'We cannot rule out that the escalation of the war will also affect our territory' . Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski described Russia's strikes as an 'escalation' occurring dangerously close to NATO's doorstep and called on allies to double support for Ukraine . Sikorski also urged NATO to conduct aggressive exercises near the Kaliningrad region to deter further Russian aggression .

Russia's Ministry of Defense claimed the strike targeted railway infrastructure used to transport military supplies from European nations . Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov separately indicated that trilateral peace talks involving Russia, Ukraine, and the U.S. could resume as early as October, stating, 'We do not exclude such a possibility' . Putin also reiterated in a phone call with U.S. President Donald Trump that Russia has 'no aggressive plans against Europe or NATO' .

A Russian drone strike near the Ukrainian-Polish border Sept. 13-14 narrowly missed a diplomatic train carrying former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson and other senior Western officials, instead destroying the locomotive of a Kyiv-to-Warsaw passenger train carrying 206 people — mostly refugees — at Yahodyn station, just 2 kilometers from Poland . No casualties were reported aboard the passenger train, which had been evacuated roughly 15 minutes before impact by Ukrainian railway operator Ukrzaliznytsia . A second drone struck a gas station near the Dorohusk-Yahodyn border crossing, temporarily closing it before it reopened .

Analysts at the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) assessed that the strike may have targeted European officials returning from the Yalta European Strategy (YES) conference, who departed the same station shortly before the attack . The diplomatic train carried Johnson, former CIA Director David Petraeus, former Swedish Prime Minister Carl Bildt, UK National Security Advisor Jonathan Powell, German Chancellor advisor Gunter Sautter, and Bundestag member Robin Wagener . Ukrzaliznytsia confirmed the train left ahead of schedule due to warnings of Russian strikes . Russia used approximately 12 Geran-5 drones in the attack near the border, and Polish military jets were scrambled after Polish detection systems picked up the drones .

EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Kaja Kallas, speaking at the European Arctic Summit in Rovaniemi, Finland, called the strike a 'clear signal' to the West and stated its purpose was to "dissuade Western countries from supporting Ukraine and to deter them from going to Ukraine to show their support" . Kallas warned that Russia's goals extend beyond Ukraine and urged Western nations to respond with increased support rather than yielding to intimidation . Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk convened an emergency security meeting and warned that Russian attacks could eventually reach Polish territory, noting that the strikes are occurring "increasingly close to Poland's border" .

Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski went further, calling on NATO to consider shooting down Russian missiles and drones over Ukrainian airspace . Sikorski cited an incident one month prior in which a Russian cruise missile exploded on Polish territory and argued that intercepting threats while still in Ukrainian airspace would be safer and prevent debris from crossing the border . He proposed a no-fly zone over western Ukraine, which he said would allow the reopening of Lviv airport . Zelensky described the locomotive strike as "deliberate" and Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha called the attack "Putin's terror knocking directly on the doors of the EU and NATO," urging full trade embargoes and stronger sanctions .

The Russian Ministry of Defense stated the strikes targeted railway infrastructure used to transport military cargo from European countries . Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, citing Russian state agencies Ria and Tass, suggested three-way negotiations between Russia, Ukraine, and the United States could occur in October following Russian parliamentary elections . Peskov dismissed Zelensky's offer to meet Putin at the G20 summit in Miami in December as "impossible" without prior agreement on territorial issues . Elsewhere Sept. 14, Russian attacks killed at least two people in Kramatorsk and wounded 20, including two children, in Odesa .

Ukraine's Air Force spokesperson Yuriy Ignat warned that Russia has stockpiled thousands of Geran-2 (Shahed) internal combustion drones and could deploy 2,500 to 3,000 in coming waves, with some estimates projecting up to 1,000 within a 24-hour window . Russia launched a record 2,800 reactive drones in August 2026, compared to 1,500 in July and 350 in June, according to Ignat . Military analyst Oleksandr Kovalenko of the Information Resistance group attributed the rising drone effectiveness to a change in Russian command planning at the start of 2026 . Ukrainian air defense systems neutralize 90 to 100% of targets, Ignat acknowledged, but added that "unfortunately, these 10 percent remain" .

Erling Haaland's record-setting brace in Manchester City's 2-0 win over FC Porto drew widespread praise Sept. 9, with Porto manager Francesco Farioli calling Haaland "one of the best forwards in the world" and "at least in the top 3" . Farioli admitted that despite Porto's efforts to limit the Norwegian striker's options, "half a meter is enough for him to do what he did" .

City's new Argentine midfielder Enzo Fernández echoed the acclaim, calling Haaland "an animal" and "a beast," and pledging to look for him every time he takes the pitch . "Every time he is on the pitch, I'm going to look for him, and hopefully give him many more assists," Fernández said . Fernández, who joined City from Chelsea for €145 million — a Premier League record — recorded his first Champions League assist for the club on Haaland's first goal .

Multiple sources now report that Haaland's brace lifted him to sole 7th place on the all-time Champions League scoring list, surpassing German legend Thomas Müller — a correction from an earlier report placing him 9th . Haaland, who has scored 59 goals in 59 Champions League appearances, also became the first player ever to score against 22 different teams in the competition .

In a post-match interview with Polish broadcaster Canal+ Sport, Haaland took time to praise Porto defender Jakub Kiwior, saying the Pole "probably had the most touches with the ball in the entire team" and deserves recognition . Haaland also endorsed former Norway Under-20 teammate Eman Markovic, who plays for GKS Katowice in Poland's Ekstraklasa league, urging the club to "start him in every match" because he is a "class player" .

Elsewhere in the opening round of Champions League play, Real Madrid defeated Inter Milan 2-1 at the Santiago Bernabéu in Spain under returning manager José Mourinho . Kylian Mbappé opened the scoring in the 14th minute, and Federico Valverde doubled the lead in the 23rd after an error by Inter goalkeeper Josep Martínez . Carlos Augusto pulled one back for Inter in the 77th minute, but Real Madrid held on . Mourinho described the match as "mad," saying the scoreline could easily have been 7-6 .

Aston Villa beat Club Brugge 3-2, Borussia Dortmund defeated Villarreal 3-2, and Real Betis overcame Lille 3-2 — a match in which Lille's Ethan Mbappé received a red card, leaving his side with 10 men for the final 34 minutes . AEK Athens beat LASK 1-0 .

FC Schalke 04 ended a 1,203-day Bundesliga goal drought with a 3-1 victory over Union Berlin at the Stadion an der Alten Försterei in Berlin, Sept. 11, 2026 . The win — Schalke's first in Germany's top flight since May 5, 2023, when the club beat FSV Mainz 05 — moved Schalke to 4 points and seventh place in the table .

Former Union Berlin captain Robin Gosens broke the deadlock in the 25th minute with a volley that gave Schalke the lead against his old club . Adil Aouchiche doubled the advantage shortly after halftime in the 46th minute, with the goal confirmed only after a VAR review reversed an initial offside call . Union pressed hard but could not break through until Tim Skarke scored a consolation goal in the 90th+6 minute, before substitute Maximilian Wöber, assisted by Hwang Hee-Chan, sealed the 3-1 result in the 90th+13 minute .

The match featured an unusual interruption when referee Timo Gerach left the pitch for treatment after 60 minutes, with fourth official Jarno Wienefeld stepping in to make his Bundesliga debut . Schalke manager Miron Muslic had predicted before the game that it "would not be a beauty contest," and the match lived up to his forecast .

The result leaves Union Berlin coach Mauro Lustrinelli still searching for his first win of the season. Union has collected only 1 point from three matches, having previously lost 4-0 to Bayer Leverkusen . Schalke's next Bundesliga fixture is a home match against Elversberg, a fellow promoted side .

Note: L'Équipe reported the final score as 3-2 with a 1,225-day winless streak , while the majority of sources confirm the result as 3-1 and a 1,203-day drought .

Investigators in France are treating sabotage as the leading cause of a Sept. 11 train derailment near Cléon in Normandy that injured 44 people, including an 18-year-old woman who remains in critical condition at Rouen University Hospital . A photograph circulated on social media showing a cut section of rail allegedly placed between the tracks — the object that police believe the train struck while traveling at 140 km/h . No suspect has been identified and no motive has been established .

Five of the train's carriages left the rails, with one overturning into a nearby forest . The regional express, carrying 186 passengers between Rouen and Caen, was struck by the metal object at approximately 7:30 p.m. local time . The train's driver was also injured and hospitalized; toxicology tests confirmed he had not consumed alcohol or drugs .

Passenger Nils told Femme Actuelle, "I thought: 'but wow, this is happening to me today, I am going to die'" . Another passenger, 24-year-old Louis, described the incident as "really terrifying," saying he was still shaking afterward . A third passenger, Vincent, said the impact felt like an emergency brake followed by the train rattling over gravel, with windows shattering, smoke filling the carriage, and luggage flying through the air .

Rouen Prosecutor Sébastien Gallois confirmed the negative toxicology results and said the judicial police are leading a formal investigation . Deputy Prosecutor Marie-Valérie Albert described the inquiry as "long and complex" . SNCF has pledged full cooperation and transparency with investigators . Rail service on the Rouen-Caen line remains suspended, with bus replacements in operation; the damaged train cannot be removed from the tracks until the prosecutor grants permission .

Former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson and a senior advisor to German Chancellor Friedrich Merz narrowly avoided a Russian drone strike Sept. 13 near the Ukrainian-Polish border, according to Der Spiegel . The two were among a group of high-ranking European officials aboard a special train that crossed into Poland approximately 1.5 hours before a Russian drone struck a nearby Kyiv-Warsaw passenger train locomotive at the Yahodyn station in Ukraine's Volyn region, roughly 2 km from the border .

Günter Zautter, Merz's chief foreign and security policy advisor, had been in Kyiv for diplomatic meetings that included discussions of potential peace negotiations with Russia, alongside security advisors from the United Kingdom, France, and Italy . Also on the train were Bundestag deputies, including Robin Wagener of the German Green Party, diplomats, and scientists . Wagener described the drone strikes as "blind terror against Ukrainian civilians" and a "huge threat to European security," criticizing what he called "indecisive" Western support for Ukraine . Former Swedish Prime Minister Carl Bildt and Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski had also recently used the same route, returning from a summit in Kyiv, and crossed into Poland via the Dorohusk border crossing before the attack .

Ukrainian Railways (Ukrzaliznytsia) confirmed that a monitoring group warned train crews in advance, resulting in no casualties on either the special train or the commercial Kyiv-Warsaw service . Ukraine launched a drone strike in apparent retaliation, targeting oil refineries in Russia's Krasnodar region and hitting targets in Nizhnekamsk, Tatarstan, killing two civilians and injuring three at an oil refinery where a pipeline was damaged .

The drone attack came amid tentative diplomatic signals. Chinese President Xi Jinping and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered mediation for peace talks, which Putin welcomed . Ukrainian Chief of Staff Kyrylo Budanov indicated that three-way peace talks involving the United States, Russia, and Ukraine are expected to resume in October . US President Donald Trump also weighed in, urging Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to "stop knocking out diesel fuel in Russia" to prevent fuel shortages .

Delhi Police have arrested a fifth suspect in connection with the Sept. 6 collapse of the 'Hostel Daze' paying guest building in New Delhi's Satya Niketan neighborhood — PG operator Sudhanshu, who co-leased the five-story structure with business partner Shubham Tyagi beginning in August 2025 for a monthly rent of Rs 1.05 lakh . Tyagi remains at large, and police are actively searching for him . Separately, labor contractor Sanoj was apprehended in Kasganj, Uttar Pradesh, and brought to Delhi for questioning regarding basement repair work that investigators say likely weakened the building's foundation . Sudhanshu's arrest brings the total number of people in custody to five, following the earlier arrests of building owner Hariram Gupta, 81; his wife Urmila Gupta, 75, the registered owner; and their son Mahesh Gupta, 52 . Hariram and Urmila were remanded to 14 days of judicial custody, and Mahesh to two days of police custody . It was Mahesh's interrogation that led investigators to the names of the two PG operators and the lease agreement .

Investigators say the building's collapse stemmed from repair work carried out over the 8 to 10 days before the disaster. Crews had been working in the basement to clear accumulated rainwater and expand commercial space, a process that allegedly compromised the structure's foundation . Engineers found that the building, which covered roughly 55 square meters, allegedly lacked columns and beams and had persistent water seepage problems . An FIR filed at the South Campus Police Station alleges that the owners knew the old foundation could not support additional weight yet proceeded with construction . Police are also probing whether additional floors — allegedly built for rental income — placed excessive pressure on the aging structure .

The lease agreement at the center of the investigation contained a clause exempting PG operators from liability for 'casualties or risk' to tenants, including injuries caused by events 'beyond their control,' such as fire, earthquake, and heavy rain . The agreement also allegedly barred parents from entering residents' rooms . The legal enforceability of such clauses remains uncertain under Indian law .

Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has ordered a sweeping crackdown on illegal construction citywide, directing the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) to deploy demolition equipment and to examine building records to identify which officers allowed unauthorized structures during their tenure . The MCD launched a city-wide survey of approximately 1,100 PGs housing around 20,250 students . Since the collapse, authorities have acted against 24 properties, issued demolition orders for 27 more, sealed seven illegal structures, and issued 35 show-cause notices . Demolition drives are now scheduled in Laxmi Nagar, New Ashok Nagar, and Pandav Nagar in East Delhi . An adjoining women's PG in Satya Niketan was declared unsafe, and demolition has begun . MCD has also suspended South Zone Deputy Commissioner Rakesh Kumar and four engineers pending disciplinary proceedings .

The Delhi government is drafting the Paying Guest Accommodation Regulation and Safety Bill, 2026, which would mandate licenses for PG operators, require structural and fire-safety audits, establish zone-wide rent limits, and create a centralized portal for all PG accommodations in the capital . The Supreme Court is separately examining a plea for safety audits of student accommodation facilities across India .

Norway's Princess Astrid died Sept. 11, 2026, at the age of 94, just two weeks after her brother, King Harald V, who died Aug. 28 at age 89 after more than 35 years on the throne . With her death, the last of the three children of King Olav V — who reigned from 1957 to 1991 — has passed .

Princess Astrid made her final public appearance at King Harald's state funeral Sept. 9, attending in a wheelchair . Born Feb. 12, 1932, in Oslo, she assumed the role of First Lady at age 22 following the death of their mother, Crown Princess Märtha, in 1954, a position she held until her brother's marriage in 1968 .

Princess Astrid had been in declining health in her final months. In March 2026, she received treatment for pneumonia at Oslo's Rikshospitalet. In May, she was readmitted for heart failure and fitted with a temporary pacemaker, yet continued to fulfill royal duties until the end . In August, she underwent a cardiac simulator implant, a procedure similar to one her brother underwent .

King Haakon VIII, 53, who ascended to the throne following King Harald's death, expressed "deep sorrow" over his aunt's passing . He described her as a "warm and dutiful" figure who was a "significant support" for the family and was "never afraid to express her opinion" . The Royal Palace in Oslo lowered its flag to half-mast following her death, and the state will cover the costs of her burial .

Princess Astrid is survived by her five children — Cathrine Ferner, 64, Benedikte Ferner, 62, Alexander Ferner, 61, Elisabeth Ferner, 57, and Carl-Christian Ferner, 53 — all from her 1961 marriage to businessman Johan Martin Ferner, who died in 2015 . Her children released a tribute stating, "Thank you for being the best mother we could have had. Throughout her life, she was there for us — with love and wisdom, warmth and good humor" .

Enric Mas of Movistar officially won the 2026 Vuelta a España Sept. 13 in Granada, Spain, becoming the first Spaniard to claim the race's top prize since Alberto Contador in 2014 . The 31-year-old from Àrta, Mallorca, crossed the finish line arm-in-arm with his six Movistar teammates, completing the 81st edition of the race in a total time of 73 hours, 52 minutes, and 55 seconds . It also marks the first Vuelta victory for Movistar since Colombia's Nairo Quintana won in 2016 .

Mas finished 2 minutes 15 seconds ahead of Slovenia's Primoz Roglic (Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe) and 2 minutes 44 seconds ahead of Austria's Felix Gall (Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale) . Race organizers froze the general classification standings 10 kilometers from the finish line as a safety precaution on the climb to the Alhambra, a measure similar to that used at the Tour de France in Paris . The final Stage 21, a 102-kilometer circuit around the medieval city of Granada, was won by Norway's Tobias Johannessen of Uno-X Mobility in a two-man sprint against Italy's Alessandro Romele of Astana .

Mas overcame a reputation as the "eternal runner-up" — he had previously finished second three times (2018, 2021, 2022) and third once in the Vuelta — as well as significant personal hardship, including a venous thrombosis that required surgery . Contador, who trained Mas in his youth program, praised the victory as "not a gift, but the result of his hard work and excellent form," noting it "took 12 years for a Spaniard to win a grand tour again" . Former Spanish champion Alejandro Valverde added he had "never seen him so strong" . Mas said of the moment, "I had huge fun during the entire Vuelta. Everything went super, I enjoyed every kilometer" .

An emotional Mas dedicated the win to his family and the hundreds of fans who traveled from his hometown of Àrta, Mallorca, to watch him in Granada. "They are the guilty ones for all this... half the village is here," he said . He added, "I have always dreamed and worked for this" .

Britain's Oscar Onley claimed the Young Rider's classification . Denmark's Magnus Cort of Uno-X rode his final professional race in Stage 21, wearing a custom jersey featuring the Danish flag and symbols of his career, though he did not contest the final sprint .

The U.S. Congressional Budget Office (CBO) released a report Sept. 15 revealing that the six-month war between the United States and Iran has cost the Department of Defense $38 billion through Aug. 1, 2026, with monthly expenses projected to reach between $2 billion and $3 billion . The nonpartisan office warned that costs could rise further if hostilities escalate .

The conflict began Feb. 28, 2026, when the U.S. and Israel launched strikes on Iranian targets. Tehran retaliated, and although both sides signed a memorandum of understanding to halt combat operations in mid-June 2026, hostilities resumed shortly thereafter . The war has claimed the lives of 18 U.S. military service members .

The largest share of costs — $21.7 billion — covers replacing munitions rapidly depleted during the fighting, including $13.1 billion for missile-defense interceptors such as Patriot, Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD), and Standard Missiles, and $7.3 billion for land-attack cruise missiles . The CBO estimates the U.S. has consumed between one-half and two-thirds of its interceptor inventory since June 2025, and rebuilding those stockpiles could take at least five years . Equipment replacement adds an estimated $1.9 billion, including a THAAD radar destroyed by Iran that alone costs roughly $500 million .

The CBO report cautioned that the depletion of missile interceptors could leave the Pentagon less able to respond to other major conflicts, particularly any potential confrontation with China over Taiwan . The nation's total public debt surpassed $40 trillion in August 2026 , and the CBO projects the war will push inflation 0.5 percentage points higher in the first quarter of 2027, driven largely by disruptions to oil and natural gas shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, which carried roughly 20% of the world's oil before the war .

The White House and Pentagon pushed back against the CBO's findings. President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social that the U.S. has 'virtually unlimited amounts of mid- to high-grade ammunition,' and Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell stated the military has 'everything required to strike at the time and place of the president's choosing' . White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly described Trump's strikes on Iran as 'decisive action' . The CBO's figures are slightly higher than the $37.5 billion that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth cited at a Senate hearing July 21 . Hegseth has since requested nearly $90 billion in emergency funding to restock munitions, warning senators, 'Without these funds, we face critical shortfalls' .

The CBO report did not include costs from recent strikes on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, damage to U.S. military installations — where Iran destroyed or damaged hundreds of buildings and aircraft, including fighter jets and drones — or borrowing expenses tied to financing the war, any of which could add tens of billions of dollars to the total . The Department of Defense declined to cooperate with the CBO's financial auditors .

The analysis was requested by Democratic Rep. Brendan Boyle of Pennsylvania, the top Democrat on the House Budget Committee, who called the conflict 'Donald Trump's disastrous war in Iran' and said it has cost taxpayers 'tens of billions of dollars and counting' . Republicans are seeking up to $73 billion in new funding, but the House-adopted budget blueprint remains stalled in the Senate .

An estimated 150,000 Germans marched in approximately 20 cities Sept. 12 to oppose the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, one week after the far-right party secured nearly 44% of the vote in the Saxony-Anhalt state election . Demonstrations unfolded in Berlin, Hamburg, Düsseldorf, Munich, Leipzig, Magdeburg, Mainz, and Saarbrücken, organized by the national Prüf campaign and Campact, a grassroots political action group .

The largest single turnout came in Hamburg, where approximately 25,000 people marched under the motto "Time to Act — Freedom Must Be Defended" . Düsseldorf drew between 20,000 and 25,000 participants — sources differ — nearly tripling the 10,000 originally registered for the march . In Berlin, police counted 18,000 participants while organizers claimed 32,000 for a "star-shaped demonstration" that converged on the Red City Hall . Munich saw 12,000, while Mainz drew 2,000, Saarbrücken 1,500, and Magdeburg 1,100 .

The Berlin protest drew a particularly broad coalition, including more than 100 associations such as climate activists, the group Omas gegen Recht (Grandmothers Against the Right), and Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender rights organizations . Simultaneously, the AfD held its own rally in the capital, featuring Kristin Brinker, the party's lead candidate for Berlin's Sept. 20 municipal election, which drew counter-protesters .

A new poll by the INSA research institute, commissioned by the newspaper Bild, revealed a sharp decline in support for Chancellor Friedrich Merz, with 78% of respondents saying he is no longer the right person for his role and only 14% supporting his continuation . The same poll found that 46% of Germans believe the cross-party "isolation wall" policy — a longstanding agreement among mainstream parties not to form coalitions with the AfD — is no longer appropriate, while 34% support maintaining it .

Campact director Christoph Bautz framed the protests in stark terms, stating that "a broad cross-section of civil society is taking to the streets to prevent the enemies of the constitution, the AfD in Saxony-Anhalt, from gaining government power" . The AfD is currently in coalition talks and, if successful, would lead the first far-right regional government in Germany since World War II, despite falling three seats short of an outright majority .

Italy's Como 1907 made a stunning entrance into the UEFA Champions League, defeating Germany's RB Leipzig 4-1 at the Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia Sept. 10 . The victory marked the club's first European competition in their 119-year history and capped a remarkable seven-year rise from Italy's fourth-tier Serie D to Europe's premier club competition, fueled by the financial backing of Indonesia's Djarum Group .

Four different players scored for Como: Croatian midfielder Martin Baturina opened the scoring in the 15th minute, netting the club's first-ever European goal ; Greek striker Anastasios Douvikas doubled the lead in the 38th minute ; Senegalese forward Assane Diao made it 3-0 in the 54th minute ; and substitute Argentine midfielder Máximo Perrone sealed the win in the 90th minute . Argentine playmaker Nico Paz provided two key assists on the night . Leipzig's only reply came from Andrija Maksimovic in the 58th minute . Baturina, who scored and added an assist, was named UEFA player of the match, covering 7.7 kilometers at a top speed of 31.4 km/h .

Coach Cesc Fàbregas managed the tactical side well, switching to a five-man defense after Leipzig pulled one back to help Como maintain control . Leipzig, managed by Martín Demichelis, was hampered by a wave of injuries to key players such as Rocco Reitz and Christoph Baumgartner, and the loss extended a troubling pattern for the German club, which has now lost its opening Champions League match in consecutive seasons .

Como's victory made them the only Italian club to win in the opening round of this season's Champions League, with Inter, Napoli, and Roma all failing to secure victories . The match drew a crowd of approximately 10,000-11,000 fans, with club president Mirwan Suwarso having prioritized ticket allocations for elderly supporters . Como will next face Feyenoord in Rotterdam, while Leipzig will host PSV Eindhoven .

The death toll from the MV June Aster ferry fire near Coron, Palawan, in the western Philippines, has surged to 76, with 13 people still missing as of Sept. 12, 2026 . Rescue teams recovered 41 charred bodies from the vessel's economy class section Saturday, adding to the 30 found Friday and five discovered immediately after the blaze first broke out Sept. 9 .

The fire burned for roughly 30 hours before it was extinguished at approximately 10:15 a.m. Sept. 11, allowing recovery teams to board the vessel for the first time . Of the 132 people actually aboard — two of the 134 registered passengers and crew did not board — 43 survived, including two Chilean tourists who jumped into the sea to escape the flames .

Philippine Coast Guard spokesperson Commodore Noemie Cayabyab cautioned that the casualty figures could still change as recovery and identification operations continue . Identification of victims will involve families first recognizing personal effects, followed by DNA testing if a photo or object is positively identified .

Survivors described hearing a loud explosion in the cargo hold, followed by thick smoke and fire that spread "in seconds," according to Cayabyab . Investigators are now exploring several possible causes, including a fire sparked by one of the electric vehicles in the cargo hold or, according to a Taiwanese news source, potential terrorism . The vessel's cargo included one electric car, one forklift, one pickup truck, five motorcycles, and essential goods such as rice and eggs . A tarp covering open areas of the ship may have accelerated the spread of the fire, according to survivor accounts .

Authorities are searching for the ship's captain, who does not appear on the survivor list . Cayabyab stated that crew negligence has not been ruled out, adding, "Undoubtedly, the captain has a responsibility and a legal obligation" . A multi-agency investigation is underway to determine the cause and assess potential criminal liability .

Finland became the 10th European country to join France's "advanced nuclear deterrence" initiative, the two governments announced Sept. 14, 2026, in a joint declaration . French President Emmanuel Macron launched the initiative in March 2026 at the Île-Longue strategic base near Brest, describing the geopolitical moment as a "turning point" and the new approach as "strategically and technically complementary to NATO efforts" . The original eight nations to join were the United Kingdom, Germany, Poland, the Netherlands, Belgium, Greece, Sweden, and Denmark, followed by Norway in May 2026 .

Finnish President Alexander Stubb announced the decision via social media, stating the initiative aims to "strengthen European security" and "prevent escalations" without replacing NATO's nuclear deterrence . Stubb was unambiguous that Finland "does not intend to station nuclear weapons on its territory in peacetime," despite the Finnish parliament adopting legislation in June 2026 that lifted the country's total ban on nuclear weapons . Finland, which shares a 1,340-kilometer land border with Russia, joined NATO in April 2023 following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 .

Finnish Defense Minister Antti Hakkanen described the move as "natural," noting that neighboring allies Norway, Sweden, and Denmark had already joined . Hakkanen clarified that the initiative carries no NATO-style collective defense obligations and does not require participating nations to contribute to France's nuclear maintenance costs . Countries will instead define their own pace of participation .

Under the arrangement, ultimate decision-making authority over nuclear weapons remains exclusively with the French president . Cooperation may include dialogue on French nuclear doctrine, joint exercises where Finland participates as an observer or with conventional forces, and the potential temporary deployment of French strategic air force elements in Finland . A nuclear steering group is to be established in the coming months .

The announcement coincided with a new strategic partnership between France and Finland, signed by the foreign ministers of both nations in Helsinki . France also announced plans to contribute to NATO's advanced land forces in Finland under Swedish command . Matti Pesu, an analyst from the Finnish Institute of International Affairs (FIIA), predicted that Moscow would likely express "rhetorical displeasure," viewing the measures as aggressive given Finland's proximity to Russia . Russia's Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov had previously warned that the prospect of nuclear weapons near Russian borders would require a military strategic response .

Liverpool launched its 2026/27 UEFA Champions League campaign with a 2-1 comeback victory over Atlético Madrid at Anfield Sept. 9, marking manager Andoni Iraola's winning debut in Europe's top club competition . The result gives Liverpool three points to open the group stage, while Atlético returns to Madrid empty-handed .

Atlético drew first blood in the 17th minute when Marcos Llorente converted a pass from Julián Álvarez, netting his fifth goal in three appearances at Anfield . Liverpool leveled the score just before halftime in the 40th minute, when Dominik Szoboszlai scored after Atlético defender Ronald Araújo inadvertently set him up with a backheel . Mac Allister then put the hosts ahead for good in the 50th minute with a thunderous left-footed strike from 17 meters out . Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker made a crucial save against Álvarez in the 69th minute to preserve the lead .

The victory came at a cost, however. New summer signing Bradley Barcola, who joined the club for $166 million, suffered an apparent calf injury just before the hour mark in his first start for the club and had to be substituted . Liverpool also saw a potential third goal from Jeremy Frimpong ruled out for offside in the 89th minute .

Mac Allister earned Player of the Match honors despite recent reports of a contract dispute with the club — his deal runs through 2028 . Szoboszlai received the match's highest individual rating of 8.7 according to FotMob . German international Florian Wirtz also impressed, earning a 7.5 rating .

The win extends Liverpool's unbeaten Champions League run against Atlético at Anfield to three consecutive matches, following victories in November 2021 and last season . Liverpool next faces Austrian club LASK away Oct. 14, while Atlético hosts Manchester United the day before .

The inaugural World Athletics Ultimate Championship wrapped up Sept. 13 in Budapest, Hungary, capping a three-day competition that drew the world's top track and field athletes to compete for a share of a $10 million prize pool, with each event winner earning $150,000 .

Brazil's Alison dos Santos headlined the final night by winning the men's 400m hurdles in 45.98 seconds, the third-fastest time in the event's history . Dos Santos, nicknamed "Piu," defeated American Rai Benjamin (46.40 seconds) and Norwegian Karsten Warholm (46.78 seconds) . The victory made dos Santos the only athlete to run the event under 46 seconds twice, after setting the world record of 45.80 seconds in Zurich earlier this season . Dos Santos, who remained undefeated throughout the season, collected $150,000 — double the traditional prize for a world athletics championship .

American Kenny Bednarek completed a 100m-200m double by winning the 200m in 19.52 seconds, the seventh-fastest time in history and a world-leading mark for the season . Botswana's Letsile Tebogo finished second in 19.76 seconds, and American Courtney Lindsey took third in 19.79 seconds . In the women's 200m, Melissa Jefferson-Wooden posted a time of 21.47 seconds — the fourth-fastest time in history — into a headwind, completing her own sprint double after winning the 100m . Jefferson-Wooden's performance earned her a combined $300,000 for the weekend .

Scotland's Josh Kerr won the 1500m in 3:29.35, racing for Great Britain, to claim the $150,000 top prize . Australia's Cam Myers took silver, and American Hobbs Kessler earned bronze . Norway's Jakob Ingebrigtsen, who had been Kerr's expected rival, withdrew after winning the 5000m Friday, deciding another race was "one too many" . Kerr, who earlier this year broke the Mile world record in London and won gold at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, said in a BBC interview: "I wouldn't like to race me right now" .

Algeria's Djamel Sedjati won the men's 800m in 1:41.91, edging Canada's Marco Arop (1:42.28) and reigning world and Olympic champion Emmanuel Wanyonyi of Kenya (1:42.44) . The victory gave Sedjati a measure of revenge against Wanyonyi, who had denied him gold at the 2024 Paris Olympics . Italy's Gianmarco Tamberi cleared 2.37 meters to win the high jump — the world's best performance of the season — while Germany's Merlin Hummel won the hammer throw . Sri Lanka's Rumesh Pathirage took the javelin with a throw of 91.09 meters . The United States swept the team events, winning the 4x400 mixed relay .