Daily News 19

Category: Around the World

International news, world events, society, travel, and stories beyond the other editorial categories.

  • 2026 Midterms: Democrats Expand Push Into Republican Strongholds

    2026 Midterms: Democrats Expand Push Into Republican Strongholds

    Senator Roger Marshall broke with tradition on Friday, launching an attack advertisement against his Democratic challenger — a rare move for a Republican incumbent in Kansas. The race has drawn national attention as Democrats test their strength in deep-red territory ahead of the 2026 midterms.

    Democratic Optimism Builds in Republican Strongholds

    When Pastor Adam Hamilton entered the race four months ago, the odds appeared steep. Kansas has not elected a Democrat to the Senate in nearly a century, and Donald Trump carried the state by at least 14 percentage points in each of his presidential campaigns. Yet as the post-Labor Day sprint begins, Hamilton sees an opening.

    People are very frustrated, Hamilton said in an interview, recalling a recent conversation with a 79-year-old man who handed him a receipt for diesel for his truck and told him, This is why I’m voting for you.

    From the Philadelphia suburbs to California’s Central Valley, similar stories are fueling Democratic hopes of flipping the House and capturing a Senate majority by competing aggressively in GOP-held seats. Success would give Democrats a consequential check on Trump during his final two years in office and help repair the party’s brand before the next presidential election.

    Republicans Navigate Historical Headwinds and Trump’s Shadow

    Republicans acknowledge difficult historical patterns: the party holding the White House typically loses ground in midterms. Complicating matters, Trump’s decision to engage militarily with Iran has intensified a cost-of-living crisis already dominating voters’ concerns.

    Yet the GOP sees reasons for optimism: a significant financial advantage, Trump’s escalating efforts to mobilize the base, and the rise of democratic socialists nationwide — figures Republicans hope to tether to the broader Democratic ticket.

    The issues are going to be the same in my race and everybody else’s, Rep. Derrick Van Orden of Wisconsin said in an interview. People are waking up to the fact that the Democratic Party is no longer the Democratic Party – it’s the Democratic Socialists of America party.

    The GOP offensive accelerated this weekend as the pro-Trump super PAC MAGA Inc. began deploying its $400 million-plus war chest. Starting Wednesday, Republicans gather in Dallas for an unconventional midterm convention dominated by Trump, who is scheduled to speak both nights. RNC Chairman Joe Gruters has branded the event Trumpapalooza.

    Democrats are countering. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries is dispatching a delegation to Dallas, while Illinois Governor JB Pritzker — a potential 2028 presidential contender — will join Texas Democrats in pushing back, according to spokeswoman Leah Hurwitz. Trump has pledged to spend the final 30 days before the election crisscrossing the country, targeting 35 races he believes will decide congressional control.

    Trump’s central role has energized Democrats and forced Republicans in competitive districts to calculate how closely to align with him.

    It’ll be spectacular, California Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom told reporters Saturday in North Carolina, sarcastically praising Trump’s midterm plans. He’s an historic president – historically unpopular.

    President Trump is not on the ballot, GOP Rep. Tom Barrett of Michigan, who plans to skip the convention, said in an interview. I’m on the ballot and my opponent is on the ballot, and that’s the choice people are going to be faced with.

    Senate Map: Narrow Path for Democrats

    Democrats need a net gain of four Senate seats to claim the majority, including pickups in Republican-leaning states, while defending vulnerable incumbents. Party strategists identify Maine, North Carolina, and Ohio as their best offensive opportunities, followed by longer-shot contests in Alaska, Iowa, and Texas.

    Democrats have six core offensive opportunities and we are still expanding the map, forcing Republicans to scramble to defend deep red states as we head into November with multiple paths to win the majority, Devan Barber, executive director of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, said in a statement.

    Challenges remain. In Michigan, Democrats nominated progressive Abdul El-Sayed over Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer’s preferred candidate, Rep. Haley Stevens. In New Hampshire, Democrats face a formidable GOP opponent in former Sen. John E. Sununu. And in Georgia, Sen. Jon Ossoff seeks reelection in a state Trump won by two points in 2024.

    House Battlefield Expands Into Redder Territory

    Democrats continue adding increasingly Republican districts to their House target list, though they must defend more Trump-won seats than Republicans must hold Biden-won ones.

    They’re operating on our turf, said Mike Marinella, spokesman for the National Republican Congressional Committee.

    Nationwide redistricting efforts championed by Trump have bolstered Republican hopes, but Democrats believe even some redrawn seats — including Latino-majority districts in South Texas — remain competitive. A recent Reuters/Ipsos poll showed voters favoring Democrats on the generic congressional ballot by five points, while disapproving of Trump’s job performance by a 25-point margin and his economic handling by an even wider gap.

    Economic Frustration Drives Democratic Strategy

    For Democrats, the midterm strategy centers on voters’ mounting economic anxiety — including those who backed Trump in 2024 but now feel betrayed.

    The word that I hear almost daily is ‘drowning,’ said Democratic Rep. Kristen McDonald Rivet of Michigan. Families in my district are drowning, and it is so much worse for them now than it was two years ago.

    McDonald Rivet’s central Michigan district, which Trump carried by just 2% in 2024, is a traditional battleground. But Democrats also see opportunity in Kentucky’s 6th Congressional District, which supported Trump by 15 points. Democratic nominee Zach Dembo, a former federal prosecutor, said affordability is hyperfocused in the cattle-heavy region, especially after Trump lowered tariffs on foreign beef.

    Really this race is not a Democrat versus Republican, Dembo said in an interview. It’s about change versus the status quo.

    In many competitive races, Democrats are distancing themselves from a national party brand that polls worse than the GOP and has become associated with democratic socialists such as New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani. Hamilton, for example, emphasizes strong and secure borders, calling former President Joe Biden a disaster on the issue.

    When people in Kansas think about national Democrats, they think about the DSA, Hamilton said. I’ve been asked, ‘Are you a socialist or communist?’ My answer is, ‘No, I’m an independent-minded Democrat.’

    Independent Candidates Complicate the Map

    The Democratic brand faces additional pressure where independents are mounting serious challenges to Republican incumbents. In some races, Democratic nominees have stepped aside to consolidate the anti-GOP vote. Nebraska offers a prominent example: during their first debate last week, GOP Sen. Pete Ricketts repeatedly labeled independent opponent Dan Osborn as Democrat Dan, while Osborn insisted he would caucus with neither party if elected.

    Iran War Creates Tension for GOP Candidates

    The economy remains a delicate issue for Republicans, who must validate voters’ concerns while contending with Trump’s insistence on continuing the Iran conflict. Trump said Wednesday he was not affected by the midterms when considering an end to the war.

    Republicans have largely unified behind Trump on the war, though impatience occasionally surfaces. House Speaker Mike Johnson recently said it would be great if the war ended before the midterms, but if not, Republicans can explain why that was necessary, why we had to complete the job.

    Van Orden, a retired Navy SEAL, argues the consequences of a nuclear-armed Iran would be disastrous.

    When I explain that to folks, they’re like, ‘Oh, I got it,’ said Van Orden, who is set to speak at the midterm convention. And I also remind them, especially my Democratic colleagues and many people in the media, that we’re still not paying as much money for a gallon of gas as we did under Biden. We’re not.

    A few vulnerable Republicans have distanced themselves by supporting resolutions to limit Trump’s war powers. Barrett, a 22-year Army veteran, said he is very sensitive to the nature of prolonged war.

    I haven’t budged and this is something I feel very strongly about and I’m going to vote my conscience, Barrett said.

    Trump, known for punishing intraparty critics, has largely refrained from targeting Republicans seeking distance. Vice President JD Vance suggested Thursday he understood if some candidates skipped the convention to focus on local matters.

    The White House prefers framing the midterms as a referendum on Democrats allegedly lurching left. In key House races, Democratic primary voters selected nominees national operatives fear are too liberal for general elections. Barrett’s opponent, Will Lawrence — a Sunrise Movement co-founder — faced scrutiny after CNN reported hundreds of deleted social media posts advocating abolition of police and prisons. Lawrence said he no longer supports defunding police and regretted past remarks.

    Financial Advantage Shifts to Republicans

    Republicans hold a commanding cash advantage. The RNC ended July with $130 million on hand; the DNC reported $16 million in cash and $18 million in debt. A June Supreme Court ruling striking down limits on coordinated party-campaign spending has amplified the disparity. The NRCC has already reserved coordinated ads for at least 20 candidates, while its Democratic counterpart has moved more slowly.

    Until this weekend, it was unclear whether MAGA Inc. would support battleground candidates. That question was answered Saturday when the super PAC disclosed $10 million in spending on the Texas Senate race, where Democratic nominee James Talarico has vastly outraised Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton by nearly $60 million.

    Trump claimed Friday he had almost $1 billion in outside money available and planned to spend up to half on the midterms.

    We’re going to spend a lot of money because we don’t want to lose our country, Trump told reporters in the Oval Office.

    Republicans also hope Trump’s campaign-trail presence reactivates his 2024 voters, even if it complicates matters for vulnerable incumbents.

    Turnout and Messaging Challenges Persist

    At a Republican Jewish Coalition meeting, North Carolina GOP Senate nominee Michael Whatley estimated his state has up to 250,000 voters who turn out for Trump in presidential years but skip midterms.

    That turnout is absolutely essential, Whatley said.

    A Republican strategist working a battleground House race agreed turnout is critical but said the solution must be much deeper than Trump’s travel schedule.

    I think there has to be more optimism that things are getting better economically, the strategist said, adding the White House lacks a clear message about when that will happen.

    Emerging Issues: Data Centers, Debates, and Outside Money

    Beyond the Trump factor, both parties are scrambling to address voter anger over data centers and their resource consumption. In Nevada’s gubernatorial race, GOP incumbent Joe Lombardo and Democratic Attorney General Aaron Ford have traded ads accusing each other of coziness with the industry.

    Data centers are raising our costs, but Joe Lombardo doesn’t care, Ford says in one ad that replays Lombardo saying in May that he is wholeheartedly in support of data centers.

    (Lombardo, like many GOP governors confronting the issue, has demanded data centers take responsibility for not straining local resources.)

    Debate negotiations will also shape the final stretch. Sen. Susan Collins and Democratic challenger Troy Jackson appear set for four October debates in Maine, while uncertainty surrounds other contests — including Ohio’s gubernatorial race, where Democrat Amy Acton indicated Wednesday she would not debate Republican Vivek Ramaswamy.

    Outside spending remains a wildcard. While attention has focused on pro-Trump groups, super PACs aligned with Israel supporters, cryptocurrency, and artificial intelligence industries still hold hundreds of millions that could influence races.

    2028 Contenders Build Midterm Goodwill

    Potential 2028 presidential candidates — especially Democrats — will increase their visibility in coming weeks, demonstrating party loyalty and building congressional alliances.

    Former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg is scheduled to visit at least six states in September alone. Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro will campaign heavily to flip four House seats while running for reelection. Former Vice President Kamala Harris is expected to escalate her travel for candidates, even as some in GOP-leaning areas have declined her support.

    I support them in doing whatever they need to do to win, Harris said in a TV interview Thursday.

    Addressing reporters Thursday, Vance — widely seen as the de facto 2028 GOP frontrunner — urged Republicans to focus on the midterms as figures like Texas Sen. Ted Cruz generate White House speculation.

    McDonald Rivet said she was taking nothing for granted, even after Republicans in her district nominated a relatively unknown candidate, Tom Smith, over a Trump-backed rival.

    I think that this is going to be closer than most people think, she said. I think that we are going to have to work for every single vote and run hard all the way through November.

  • NYC Mayor Mamdani Releases 9/11 Records Showing Officials Misled New Yorkers on Ground Zero Air Quality

    NYC Mayor Mamdani Releases 9/11 Records Showing Officials Misled New Yorkers on Ground Zero Air Quality

    New York City Releases 170,000 Pages of 9/11 Air Quality Records, Revealing Early Knowledge of Toxic Risks

    New York City has released more than 170,000 pages of previously undisclosed records about air quality following the September 11, 2001, attacks. The documents show that city officials at the time knew conditions around Ground Zero were unsafe to breathe despite repeated public assurances that the air was safe.

    Mayor Announces Release Amid Growing Health Toll

    Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced the release at a news conference Tuesday, framing the disclosure as a reckoning with the long-term human cost of the attacks.

    “As the years pass and the human toll grows, we reckon with the cost of September 11th whenever another New Yorker is stolen from us too soon,” Mamdani said. “Now, close to 25 years later, more people have died from 9/11-related illnesses than were killed on the day itself.”

    According to the 9/11 Memorial, at least 140,000 people from all 50 states have enrolled in the World Trade Center Health Program, and 49,000 have been diagnosed with certified WTC-related cancers. Mamdani said Tuesday that more people are eligible for assistance than are currently enrolled, including residents who lived near the site but have not received outreach and those who live outside of New York.

    Cancer coverage was not included when Congress created the health program in 2011. It was added in 2012 only after a fight by advocates and a study showing elevated cancer rates among New York firefighters at Ground Zero. Nearly 3,000 people were killed on 9/11, but thousands more — including first responders who spent months working at the site — have since died from 9/11-related cancers and other illnesses.

    Documents Released After Lawsuit by 9/11 Health Watch

    The release resolves a lawsuit brought by the advocacy group 9/11 Health Watch, which had sued the city for the records.

    Ben Chevat, the executive director of 9/11 Health Watch, said Tuesday the release of the documents will give people what they need to access federal assistance and will help kick-start additional research on health outcomes.

    “Mr. Mayor, I want to thank you for being the mayor who, after 25 years, begins to answer the question: What did the city know about the dangers from the toxic cloud at Ground Zero, and when did it know it?” Chevat said at Tuesday’s news conference, addressing Mamdani.

    Internal Memos Show Early Alarms About Toxins

    The documents contain a fraction of the air quality reports taken at Ground Zero, but they also include crucial internal memos. These documents show officials raised alarms regarding environmental testing between October and November 2001, which regularly detected elevated levels of toxins, including asbestos and hard-to-detect chemicals that were dangerous.

    Some documents show concerns about air quality were outlined in a white paper published by U.S. Rep. Jerry Nadler of New York, who sent a memo to then-Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s office in February 2002. Nadler outlined his concerns and belief that the Environmental Protection Agency had “neglected its responsibility for monitoring indoor air quality around Ground Zero.”

    Nadler told the mayor’s office that shortly after the attacks, then-EPA Administrator Christine Todd Whitman misled the public by publicly declaring that the air was “safe to breathe,” but that the statement was made before any government test of indoor air quality had been conducted, the documents show.

    Nadler also wrote to the mayor’s office about findings by University of California, Davis, scientists which showed the air contained “startling concentrations” of lung-penetrating, ultra-fine particulate matter that could “lodge deep in the lungs.”

    News reports from February 2002, five months after the attacks, show Bloomberg, who succeeded Rudy Giuliani, said “every test that has been done says the air quality was in acceptable limits. I think some people are just never going to believe that.” A spokesperson for Bloomberg declined to comment Tuesday.

    EPA Administrator Defends Agency’s Actions

    Whitman said in a statement Tuesday that her comments about the Ground Zero site’s air quality “were based entirely on the analysis done by EPA scientists.”

    “Within days, the EPA had put up a website with all the data available, which they frequently updated so that it was all public — the goal was as much transparency as possible. Everyone at the EPA did the best they could with the information, tools, and knowledge available at the time,” she said in the statement.

    Whitman said EPA officials repeatedly distinguished between conditions at the site and the air elsewhere in the city and warned of the risks to workers at Ground Zero. She added that the EPA did not control the worksite — which she said New York City oversaw — and had no authority to regulate indoor air quality.

    “Harding Memo” Reveals Legal Liability Concerns

    Another crucial document included in Tuesday’s release was what became known as the “Harding Memo,” a document sent to then-Deputy Mayor Robert Harding. It cited a Law Department estimate of about 35,000 potential plaintiffs — roughly 10,000 of whom were expected to file claims — as a result of the September 11 attacks, and outlined legislative options to limit the city’s legal liability.

    “A major concern is that if these cases make it to court, the judges and juries will be biased in favor of plaintiffs (even though the City seems to have a strong defense) and therefore, award substantial damages to compensate individuals for their loss,” the memo states.

    The memo also listed potential grounds for lawsuits against the city, including that “Health advisories caused individuals either to return to the area too soon (causing toxic exposure or emotional harm) or too late (causing economic hardship).”

    “People got sick because the leaders they trusted lied and told them they were safe to breathe in toxic air,” Mamdani said.

    When asked whether the yearslong delay in releasing the documents was a “cover-up,” the mayor said, “This was multiple mayoral administrations refusing to release documents that New Yorkers were owed.”

    Jon Stewart and 9/11 Families Join Call for Accountability

    Mamdani appeared alongside 9/11 families and Jon Stewart, a longtime advocate for increased transparency and resources for first responders and survivors.

    “There was poison in the air, and on the ground, and in the window sills, and in your air conditioners and covering your pets and your clothes, and it stayed there for months. Everyone knew. Now it’s very clear that the city knew as well,” Stewart said.

    Karen Klingon, who lost her brother after 9/11, attended the news conference Tuesday. Her brother, Robert Klingon, lived a five-minute walk from the World Trade Center when the towers came down and was treated through the World Trade Center Health Program, she told CNN. In 2018, he collapsed on the street and learned he had a brain tumor. He died two years later, Klingon said.

    “I think there wasn’t just lack of transparency; there was a lack of regard for people, and I find that very disturbing,” Klingon told CNN. “Also, my brother was a lawyer and had a very acute sense of justice and injustice, and he would have certainly been appalled by the injustice of the lack of transparency and the lack of concern for people who are still suffering.”

    Searchable Portal Launches for Public Access

    A searchable portal will provide access to the documents, and the city is expected to add more material on a rolling basis in the coming months, officials said Tuesday. Every document published in the portal will be available for view and download at no cost.

    The disclosure is expected to give the public a better understanding of how the city responded following the collapse of the World Trade Center as officials raced to restabilize Lower Manhattan and reopen the area. The documents were among 68 boxes stored in a city government office that were discovered last year and are being released ahead of Friday’s 25th anniversary of the attacks, according to city officials.

  • NFL Week 2 Preview: Key Matchups, Storylines, and What to Watch

    NFL Week 2 Preview: Key Matchups, Storylines, and What to Watch

    NFL Week 2 Preview: Five Storylines to Watch as Overreactions Meet Reality

    Week 2 is one of the most revealing weeks of the NFL season. It separates legitimate contenders from Week 1 mirages and shows whether early reactions were justified or premature. Here are five key storylines shaping this week’s slate of games.

    Buffalo Bills Debut New Highmark Stadium Against Detroit Lions

    After 53 seasons in Orchard Park, the Bills move into their brand-new Highmark Stadium on Thursday night when they host the Detroit Lions. The $2.1 billion open-air venue sits adjacent to the old stadium and seats 60,108—smaller than its predecessor, a design choice the Bills say enhances the overall fan experience. The lack of a roof preserves Buffalo’s signature cold-weather advantage in December and January.

    Early reviews have been mixed, with some fans reporting obstructed-view seats. Ticket prices reflect the hype: the get-in price for Thursday’s opener exceeded $400 as of Wednesday. Buffalo enters on a high after a thrilling Week 1 win over Houston, while Detroit narrowly escaped New Orleans by a single point. Expect a high-scoring affair on Thursday Night Football.

    Chicago Bears Offense Makes History in Season Opener

    Before the season, Bears head coach Ben Johnson declared his goal: score more points than any team in NFL history. Week 1 suggested he wasn’t joking. Chicago exploded for a franchise-record 59 points in a 59-37 victory over the Carolina Panthers, tying the team mark with six rushing touchdowns and setting a new franchise high for a season opener.

    The 2013 Denver Broncos hold the NFL single-season scoring record at 606 points—Chicago would need 547 more to match it, with an extra game on the schedule compared to that Broncos team. Rookie quarterback Caleb Williams dazzled in his debut, completing 21 of 29 passes for 269 yards and two touchdowns while adding 65 rushing yards and two more scores on the ground. The Bears have never had a 4,000-yard passer; Williams looks poised to change that. Chicago hosts the Minnesota Vikings in its home opener Sunday.

    Houston Texans Defense Faces Critical Test vs. Cincinnati Bengals

    One of Week 1’s biggest disappointments was the Houston Texans defense. Offseason hype suggested a elite unit, but Josh Allen and the Bills dropped 36 points on them at home. Late-game chances to seal the win evaporated—a dropped interception followed by a 34-yard touchdown allowed.

    Now the Texans face Joe Burrow and the Cincinnati Bengals. Burrow wasn’t sharp in his opener against Tampa Bay (254 yards, one touchdown, one interception), but a repeat of Houston’s defensive performance could mean another long afternoon. Houston started 0-3 last year before rallying to the playoffs—a hole they’re desperate to avoid this time around.

    NFC South Starts 0-4; Division Relief Arrives in Week 2

    The NFC South was the only division without a Week 1 victory. The Buccaneers, Falcons, Saints, and Panthers all lost. Credit Saints coach Kellen Moore for aggression—going for two and the win against Detroit rather than playing for overtime.

    Relief comes quickly: Atlanta hosts Carolina this week, guaranteeing one NFC South win. Tampa Bay, a heavy home favorite against Cleveland, should rebound if Baker Mayfield protects the ball (three fumbles in Week 1). New Orleans faces a brutal road test at Baltimore.

    New York Giants and Jets Both 1-0 for First Time Since 2009

    New York football fans can savor a rare moment: both the Giants and Jets opened with wins for the first time since 2009. That year, both started 3-0—a mark that feels distant for either franchise today.

    The Giants travel to Los Angeles to face a rested Rams team coming off a Thursday loss in Australia to San Francisco. Sean McVay’s squad had 10 days to recover from travel and the 49ers’ rout. Los Angeles will be without Myles Garrett (knee surgery, out a month or more) but could see Aaron Donald return after a two-plus-year retirement.

    New York’s Week 1 game plan clicked behind Jaxson Dart and Cam Skattebo against Dallas. The question: can they sustain it and stay healthy? That’s the Giants’ biggest season-long variable.

    The Jets host Green Bay Sunday. New York’s Week 1 win came against Tennessee, a team that may again be among the league’s worst. Green Bay arrives desperate after a historic collapse: leading 22-10 with under 20 minutes left, the Packers were outscored 29-0 in a 39-22 loss to Minnesota—the first team in NFL history to trail by 12+ with <20 minutes remaining and win by 17+.

    NFL Week 2 Schedule

    Thursday

    • Detroit Lions @ Buffalo Bills, 8:15 p.m. ET

    Sunday

    • Cincinnati Bengals @ Houston Texans, 1 p.m. ET
    • Green Bay Packers @ New York Jets, 1 p.m. ET
    • New Orleans Saints @ Baltimore Ravens, 1 p.m. ET
    • Philadelphia Eagles @ Tennessee Titans, 1 p.m. ET
    • Minnesota Vikings @ Chicago Bears, 1 p.m. ET
    • Cleveland Browns @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 1 p.m. ET
    • Pittsburgh Steelers @ New England Patriots, 1 p.m. ET
    • Carolina Panthers @ Atlanta Falcons, 1 p.m. ET
    • Las Vegas Raiders @ Los Angeles Chargers, 4:05 p.m. ET
    • Jacksonville Jaguars @ Denver Broncos, 4:05 p.m. ET
    • Washington Commanders @ Dallas Cowboys, 4:25 p.m. ET
    • Miami Dolphins @ San Francisco 49ers, 4:25 p.m. ET
    • Seattle Seahawks @ Arizona Cardinals, 4:25 p.m. ET
    • Indianapolis Colts @ Kansas City Chiefs, 8:20 p.m. ET

    Monday

    • New York Giants @ Los Angeles Rams, 8:15 p.m. ET
  • This Week in History: Princess Diana’s Death, the IRA Ceasefire and Hurricane Katrina

    This Week in History: Princess Diana’s Death, the IRA Ceasefire and Hurricane Katrina

    From the evolution of Britain’s intelligence services to major turning points in Northern Ireland, the Middle East, football and international politics, these stories from The Independent archive capture defining moments in modern history.

    MI5 considers moving “out of the shadows”

    5 September 1989 – Britain’s domestic intelligence agency considers ending its long-standing culture of absolute secrecy amid a serious recruitment crisis. Senior officials assess unprecedented plans to place MI5 on a semi-public footing more closely resembling the American CIA.

    The policy shift would eventually help shape the modern security service, which later began publicly identifying its leadership and advertising openly for new officers.

    Palestinians prepare for self-rule in Gaza and Jericho

    3 September 1993 – Practical preparations begin for a new framework of limited Palestinian self-rule following a series of diplomatic breakthroughs. Initial plans focus on the Gaza Strip and the West Bank town of Jericho.

    The developments represent an early step towards the autonomy arrangements that would emerge from the Oslo peace process.

    IRA announces historic ceasefire after 25 years of conflict

    1 September 1994 – The IRA declares a complete cessation of military operations from midnight, marking a potential breakthrough after 25 years of conflict in Northern Ireland.

    Unionist leaders and the British government respond cautiously, demanding firm guarantees that the decision to lay down arms is permanent before entering formal peace negotiations. Those talks would eventually lead to the Good Friday Agreement in 1998.

    Diana, Princess of Wales, dies in Paris car crash

    31 August 1997 – Diana, Princess of Wales, and her companion Dodi Fayed are killed in a high-speed car crash in the French capital.

    The accident happened as the couple reportedly attempted to escape photographers pursuing their vehicle after a late dinner. Diana’s sudden death prompted an extraordinary wave of public mourning in Britain and around the world.

    The Queen pays tribute to Diana after days of silence

    6 September 1997 – After intense public criticism of the Royal Family’s prolonged seclusion at Balmoral, the family returns to London to join the nation in mourning.

    During an unprecedented live television broadcast, the Queen describes Diana as an exceptional and gifted person. The address helps ease public criticism just hours before the funeral.

    Hurricane Katrina devastates the US Gulf Coast

    31 August 2005 – Hurricane Katrina causes catastrophic destruction along the United States Gulf Coast, leaving New Orleans submerged by floodwaters.

    Hundreds of people are feared dead in the immediate aftermath, while thousands remain stranded on rooftops or trapped in flooded emergency shelters. The disaster and the severely delayed federal response would eventually contribute to a death toll of nearly 2,000 people.

    Abu Dhabi takeover transforms Manchester City and global football

    2 September 2008 – An investment group from Abu Dhabi completes the takeover of Manchester City and promises substantial spending on the club’s playing squad.

    The acquisition quickly makes Manchester City one of the wealthiest clubs in world football and reshapes the financial landscape of the transfer market. Over the following decade, the club becomes a dominant force in domestic and European competitions.

    Obama delays Syria strike after UK Parliament vote

    1 September 2013 – President Barack Obama unexpectedly suspends imminent military action against the Syrian regime and decides to seek formal approval from Congress.

    The decision follows a major political defeat for Prime Minister David Cameron, whose proposal for British military intervention had been decisively rejected by the House of Commons days earlier.

    Source: www.independent.co.uk

  • Powerball Winning Numbers for $190 Million Jackpot on Monday, Sept. 7, 2026: Ohio Prize Breakdown

    Powerball Winning Numbers for $190 Million Jackpot on Monday, Sept. 7, 2026: Ohio Prize Breakdown

    No Jackpot Winner in Monday’s Powerball Drawing; Ohio Reports Thousands of Smaller Prizes

    CLEVELAND — No ticket matched all six numbers in the Powerball drawing held on Monday, September 7, 2026, leaving the $190 million top prize unclaimed. However, the Ohio Lottery confirmed thousands of players across the state won smaller cash prizes in the same drawing.

    Winning Numbers for September 7, 2026

    The winning numbers drawn were 15, 19, 28, 39, 56 with a red Powerball of 3. The Power Play multiplier for the night was 3x.

    Jackpot Rolls to $207 Million for Wednesday Drawing

    With no grand prize winner, the Powerball jackpot rolls over to an estimated $207 million for the next drawing scheduled for Wednesday, September 9, at 10:59 p.m. ET. The cash value option for the upcoming drawing is estimated at $89.3 million.

    Ohio Lottery Notes Recent Big Winners

    While the jackpot eluded players this time, Ohio has seen several significant lottery wins in recent drawings. The Ohio Lottery encourages players to check their tickets carefully for lower-tier prizes.

  • Winning Powerball Numbers for the $131 Million Jackpot on Monday, Aug. 31, 2026: See All Ohio Prizes Won

    Winning Powerball Numbers for the $131 Million Jackpot on Monday, Aug. 31, 2026: See All Ohio Prizes Won

    Ohio Powerball Results: $131 Million Jackpot Goes Unclaimed

    CLEVELAND — No ticket matched all six numbers in the $131 million Powerball drawing held Monday, Aug. 31, 2026. However, the Ohio Lottery reported thousands of winning tickets across the state.

    Ohio Powerball winning numbers

    The winning numbers were 11, 17, 25, 37, 49 and Powerball 10. The Power Play multiplier was 2x.

    The Powerball jackpot has increased to an estimated $146 million for the next drawing, scheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 2, at 10:59 p.m. The estimated cash option is worth $63.3 million.

    Ohio has also produced several major winners in recent lottery drawings.

    Source: www.wkyc.com

  • Six Flags Acquires ArieForce One Roller Coaster; Mystery Remains Over Its Location

    Six Flags Acquires ArieForce One Roller Coaster; Mystery Remains Over Its Location

    Six Flags has acquired the acclaimed ArieForce One roller coaster from Fun Spot America Atlanta following the Georgia park’s permanent closure last month. The announcement, which the company teased would “turn heads across the amusement industry,” confirms the ride will be relocated to a Six Flags park, though the specific destination remains undecided.

    Six Flags Evaluating Portfolio for Optimal Fit

    Speculation is rampant among enthusiasts about whether the coaster could land at flagship parks like Cedar Point in Ohio or Kings Island, or perhaps at Carowinds in Charlotte, North Carolina. However, Six Flags told 3News they are “actively considering multiple parks across our portfolio for this epic addition.” A final decision on the ride’s future home is expected by the end of the year.

    “ArieForce One is a world-class coaster, and we want to ensure it lands in the park where it can deliver the best possible guest experience,” according to a spokesperson for Six Flags. “We’re carefully evaluating its fit across our portfolio before announcing its future home.”

    Regardless of the chosen location, Six Flags confirmed that ArieForce One will retain its name and is targeting a return during the 2028-2029 operating season.

    “Additional details regarding the attraction’s future location, construction timeline and reopening plans will be announced at a later date,” according to Six Flags. “Until then, the coaster community’s biggest mystery remains unsolved.”

    A Short but Legendary History

    Despite operating for only three years after its March 31, 2023 debut, ArieForce One quickly achieved legendary status. It ranked No. 7 on USA TODAY’s 10Best fan vote for best roller coasters earlier this year. The ride permanently closed on August 2, 2026, when Fun Spot America Atlanta shut down.

    Built by Rocky Mountain Construction (RMC)—the firm behind Cedar Point’s Steel Vengeance—ArieForce One was named in honor of Fun Spot America founder John Arie Sr. Key stats include:

    • Height: 154 feet (approx. 15 stories)
    • Track Length: ~3,400 feet
    • Duration: ~2 minutes
    • Type: Steel roller coaster
    • Notable Features: World’s largest zero-gravity stall, outward-banked airtime hill, multiple high-intensity negative-G moments

    Industry Leaders React to Acquisition

    Six Flags Chief Operating Officer Mark Pauls emphasized the ride’s unique cultural impact.

    “From the moment ArieForce One closed, we knew how much this coaster meant to the enthusiast community and to guests who traveled from around the world to experience it,” said Mark Pauls, chief operating officer of Six Flags. “This is a ride that consistently generated excitement, acclaim and passionate fan support. We are thrilled to preserve its legacy, invest in its future and bring this extraordinary attraction to a new generation of guests. This acquisition represents our commitment to delivering world-class thrills and creating unforgettable experiences across the Six Flags portfolio.”

    “Part of the excitement is that the story isn’t over,” Pauls said. “We know fans will immediately begin theorizing about which Six Flags park is the perfect fit. The passion surrounding ArieForce One is unlike anything we’ve seen in recent years, and when the time comes to reveal its new home, we believe that announcement will be just as exciting as the acquisition itself.”

    Derek Perry, president-elect of American Coaster Enthusiasts (ACE), highlighted the community’s relief and anticipation.

    The coaster enthusiast community has spent months wondering whether ArieForce One would be saved and where it might ultimately find a new home. Preservation is central to ACE’s mission, so enthusiasts everywhere were hopeful this remarkable coaster would have a future beyond its original park. Today’s announcement answers one question and opens the door to another. The speculation about which park will receive ArieForce One is going to be enormous. Its farewell brought enthusiasts together from across the globe to celebrate a ride they love, and now they’ll be watching every clue and announcement as Six Flags prepares for its next chapter.

    Once reassembled and enhanced at its new Six Flags destination, the attraction is expected to become one of the premier thrill experiences in North America, drawing coaster enthusiasts, vacationers, and adrenaline seekers alike.

    Founding Family Celebrates New Chapter

    John Arie Jr., CEO of Fun Spot America, expressed deep personal satisfaction that the coaster bearing his father’s name will live on.

    When we built ArieForce One, we wanted to create something truly special. Something that would put Fun Spot America on the map with coaster enthusiasts and families around the world and create memories that would last a lifetime. Seeing ArieForce One preserved and finding a new home with Six Flags means a great deal to me and my family. Its story isn’t ending, it’s beginning a new chapter, and we are excited that future generations will get to experience ArieForce One.

  • Gusty Winds and Rain to Bring Puget Sound an Early Taste of Fall on Wednesday

    Gusty Winds and Rain to Bring Puget Sound an Early Taste of Fall on Wednesday

    An unusually strong cold front, along with two weather systems, will bring significant rain, gusty winds and cooler temperatures to the Puget Sound region on Wednesday and Thursday.

    The unsettled weather will arrive Wednesday afternoon, giving western Washington an early preview of fall after a stretch of dry conditions. Although the rain will be welcome, the strongest winds are expected to pose the greatest risk.

    Gusty winds could cause power outages

    Some wind gusts could exceed 30 mph, prompting the KING 5 Weather team to activate First Alert Weather for Wednesday afternoon and Thursday.

    Gusty winds could bring down branches and trees, particularly those with new growth, and may lead to scattered power outages from late Wednesday into early Thursday.

    The cold front is expected to move east of the Puget Sound region Wednesday night, leaving behind cool, unstable air. Showers will continue, with a chance of thunderstorms and locally gusty winds.

    More showers and thunderstorms expected Thursday

    A low-pressure system associated with the front will drop south and settle near the northwest corner of Oregon on Thursday. Its position will help maintain widespread showers across the region, while thunderstorms and gusty winds remain possible throughout the day.

    Temperatures will also take a noticeable dip, giving western Washington a preview of the cooler conditions typically associated with fall, which officially begins Sept. 21.

    KING 5 Meteorologist Rich Marriott contributed to this report

    Source: www.king5.com

  • Iowa DCI Joins Perry Infant Death Investigation

    Iowa DCI Joins Perry Infant Death Investigation

    Perry Police Investigate Infant Death at Day Care Center

    Perry police are investigating the death of an infant found in a trash can at the Acorns and Oaks Child Care Center on the east side of town Tuesday night. The Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation is assisting in the case.

    Police Chief Describes Difficult Case

    Police Chief Jim Archer said the case is particularly difficult for officers.

    “Probably one of the tough things you can do as an officer, you know, when you’re dealing with, you know, babies,” Archer said.

    Details of the Incident

    Police said they were alerted after a woman was hospitalized in Des Moines for bleeding. They were informed about a baby placed in a bag in a trash can in Perry. Archer said the infant was not under the care of the day care, and the mother was not a client. The name of the mother has not been released.

    Safe Haven Advocate Highlights Resources

    Monica Kelsey, CEO of Safe Haven Baby Boxes, highlighted the importance of providing resources for mothers in crisis.

    “It’s important for me to walk alongside these moms,” Kelsey said.

    Safe Haven Baby Boxes allow mothers to anonymously drop off newborns in designated boxes, such as the one at the Fort Dodge Fire Station, about an hour north of Perry. Under Iowa’s safe haven law, mothers can also drop off babies at hospitals.

    “It literally tears my heart out knowing that there was a box, well, an hour away from her where she could have got complete anonymity if she would have just drove there, placed her baby in that box, turned around, you know, walked away and we would never know her name,” Kelsey said.

    Police Emphasize Available Options

    Police say the infant might have survived had it not ended this way. They are reminding young mothers that there are options available to save newborns’ lives.

    “There’s so many people out there looking to adopt and raise children and people who have difficulties with that. So those options are out there,” Archer said.

    Investigation Ongoing

    Authorities said it will take time to determine whether a crime occurred and if charges will be filed. An autopsy is expected to provide more information.

  • Bethel-Tate Local Schools Superintendent Announces Resignation

    Bethel-Tate Local Schools Superintendent Announces Resignation

    Bethel-Tate Local Schools Superintendent Melissa Kircher has announced her resignation, effective Jan. 3. The board of education accepted her departure during Tuesday night’s meeting.

    District Highlights Kircher’s Tenure

    In a statement, the district said Kircher helped lead “through years of change, challenges and progress, always with a focus on serving students, families and the Bethel-Tate community.”

    No Reason Provided for Departure

    The district did not disclose a reason for Kircher’s resignation. Officials said they will share more information regarding future leadership plans when details become available.