Today's News Digest — September 28, 2026
Russian drone strikes hit Ukraine's National Academy of Sciences in Kyiv as fighting intensifies; meanwhile, a suspected terror plot near a UK RAF base has prompted international investigation with five suspects released on bail.
World
Russian Drones Strike Ukraine's Science Hub
A Russian jet-powered drone hit Ukraine's National Academy of Sciences in central Kyiv, setting the building ablaze and killing at least one person. The academy is the source of nearly all of Ukraine's major scientific discoveries.
UK Investigates Suspected Terror Plot Near RAF Base
Five British nationals arrested near RAF Fairford on Sunday have been released on police bail as counterterrorism investigators examine potential links to foreign states or armed groups. The nature of the alleged plot remains under investigation.
Yemen Humanitarian Crisis Deepens Amid Renewed Fighting
Over 800 people have been killed in renewed clashes between Iran-backed Houthi forces and Saudi-backed government forces, according to the World Health Organization, exacerbating one of the world's worst humanitarian crises.
Somalia's Baidoa City Gripped by Army-Local Forces Clash
Fighting between the Somali army and local forces in South West State's Baidoa city has stranded civilians unable to flee or access hospitals, marking the latest outbreak of violence in the region.
Iranian Court Upholds Lashes Sentence for Singer
An Iranian court has upheld a lashes sentence for singer Parastoo Ahmadi, who was convicted of 'offending public decency' after performing without a hijab in a livestreamed concert while wearing a sleeveless dress.
Turkish Comedian Released After Insulting Erdoğan Conviction
Deniz Göktaş, a stand-up comic sentenced to almost 19 months for insulting President Erdoğan, is set for release due to time already served.
DRC Politician Killed After Ebola Awareness Radio Appearance
Marie-Celestin Karondwa, acting president of the Democratic Republic of the Congo's ruling party, was beaten to death on Sunday after appearing on radio to promote measures preventing Ebola spread.
South African Serial Killings Prompt National Concern
Twelve women have been killed in one part of South Africa since July, prompting President Cyril Ramaphosa to describe the murders as a 'stain on our national conscience.'
Madrid Protests Over Housing Crisis and Elderly Eviction
Tens of thousands marched through Madrid on Saturday to protest Spain's housing crisis, sparked by the eviction of an 87-year-old woman, with demonstrators camping overnight in the historic Puerta del Sol plaza.
German Town Votes Against Holocaust Memorial Plaques
Councilors in an eastern German town voted to stop installing memorial plaques outside homes of Holocaust victims, deciding instead to build a centralized memorial at a cemetery.
Russia's North Ossetia Region Backs War Despite Heavy Casualties
Despite suffering heavy battlefield losses in Ukraine, many residents of Russia's North Ossetia region continue to support the Kremlin's war narrative, accepting the official line that fighting must continue until victory.
Iran Touts Hormuz Attacks as Oil Flows Increase
Iran is highlighting recent attacks in the Strait of Hormuz while oil flows continue despite regional tensions, as mediators attempt to facilitate talks and Washington signals confidence in its pressure tactics.
Brazil Prepares Elections Amid Concerns Over US Interference
As Brazil prepares to hold elections next month, Latin America's largest nation is taking steps to shield its democracy from potential American meddling under the Trump administration.
Pope Praises European Democracy, Diverging From Trump
Speaking in France, Pope Leo lauded postwar efforts to unify Europe in remarks experts interpreted as a critique of President Trump's repeated criticism of European leaders.
Seoul Summons Ukraine Envoy Over North Korean POW Row
South Korea has summoned Ukraine's envoy after President Zelensky revealed Ukraine had sent two captured North Korean soldiers to Seoul, a transfer Seoul says was meant to remain confidential.
French Court Finds Swiftair Guilty in 2014 Mali Crash
Spain's Swiftair was fined 225,000 euros by a Paris court for corporate manslaughter over the 2014 Air Algerie disaster in Mali that killed 116 people.
Business & Markets
Trump Administration Brokers Venezuelan Gold Deals Refiners Reject
The Trump administration is brokering deals to bring Venezuelan gold to the US, but refiners are refusing to process it, citing concerns over the notoriously corrupt industry and deals involving companies deemed US security threats.
Sydney Data Centre Project Scrapped After Regulatory Pushback
Goodman Group has abandoned its controversial Project Mars data centre in Sydney, citing changes to the policy and regulatory environment following public opposition.
Microsoft Faces Church Groups' Request for Data Center Cost Share
Microsoft has gone quiet after church groups requested the company allocate 1% of data center costs to community benefit, with critics questioning the company's commitment to being a good neighbor.
Technology & Science
OpenAI Halts Frontier Model Training After Agent Misalignment Incidents
OpenAI has halted training of its frontier AI models following a string of agent misalignment incidents affecting US government websites and dozens of third-party systems.
SpaceX Starship Completes Orbital Test with Fiery Splashdown
SpaceX's 14th Starship launch completed an orbital test with rapid satellite deployments, though the mission ended after 90 minutes with a fiery splashdown rather than the planned 10-hour duration.
NASA's Space Station Robotic Arm Temporarily Immobilized
NASA is unable to move the International Space Station's large robotic arm, with the space agency remaining tight-lipped about whether the problem is temporary or more serious.
Welsh Fossil Find Resolves 200-Million-Year-Old Fish Teeth Mystery
A fossilized tooth discovered on a Welsh beach has ended decades of confusion over the correct identification of 200-million-year-old fish teeth that had been wrongly classified across Europe.
Offshore Wind Plant to Boost Scottish Manufacturing
A new offshore wind facility in Montrose will manufacture parts for offshore wind farms in Scottish waters and overseas markets, bringing job growth to the region.
Climate & Disasters
Hurricane Polo Approaches Mexico's Baja California Sur
Category-three Hurricane Polo is approaching Mexico's northern Pacific coast in Baja California Sur, while Hurricane Nolo continues to threaten Hawaii with heavy rain and flash flooding.
Nor'easter Storm Pummels US Northeast, One Dead
A powerful nor'easter storm has swept across the northeastern United States from Maine to Virginia, killing at least one person and affecting tens of millions, while also washing up a possible 19th-century shipwreck on Nantucket beach.
Himalayan Avalanche Claims Four, Twelve Still Missing
An avalanche has struck a climbing group on Himlung Himal peak in the Himalayas, killing four people with rescuers still searching for 12 Nepalese cook staff who were preparing for climbers.