Western

• The UNRIC Info Point & Library Newsletter for September 2026 has been released, focusing on bringing attention to overlooked emergencies around the world. • The newsletter aims to capture human stories from hard-to-access areas and share them with international media, highlighting the need for protection of millions of civilians under humanitarian principles and human rights law. • This effort means that people affected by under-reported crises and higher-profile conflicts, such as those in the Middle East, Sudan, and Ukraine, may receive more international support and attention.

Downed trees cause widespread power outages on Kauai as winds and rains rip up roads and coat homes in mudDamaging winds and heavy rains from Hurricane Lowell caused significant damage on Hawaii’s western islands, knocking out power to thousands, ripping up stretches of road and drenching homes and stores with mud.Fierce winds downed trees and caused widespread power outages on the island of Kauai, home to 73,000 residents. The Kauai Island Utility Cooperative reported that nearly all of its roughly 35,000 members were without power on Tuesday. Continue reading...

• The Taliban’s Ministry of Mines and Petroleum signed a major oil and gas exploration and production agreement with the Saudi company Delta Energy in Kabul. • The deal focuses on the exploration and production of energy resources within Afghanistan. • This agreement highlights the shifting geopolitical influence of Persian Gulf nations and Western powers over Afghanistan's natural resources.

Police say the drugs were uncovered as part of ongoing investigations into illicit drugs in BroomeA Western Australian man has been charged after police said they found approximately 3.5 grams of methylamphetamine in a ziplock bag wedged between the bacon and egg of a McMuffin meal during a car search.The arrest on 20 August was part of ongoing investigations into illicit drugs in Broome, in WA’s Kimberley region. Continue reading...

One Nation candidate Luke Herdegen secures 57% of the vote after preferences as party’s WA leader says result will send shock waves across the countryOne Nation has claimed victory in the Secret Harbour state byelection in Western AustraliaWith 74.5% of the vote counted, One Nation’s Luke Herdegen leads Labor’s Georgia Tree 57-42 after preferences. Continue reading...

World’s largest streaming services have also increased subscription costs repeatedly in US, research findsBusiness live – latest updatesSubscribers to Netflix, Disney+ and Amazon Prime Video in western Europe have faced higher price increases than in any other market in recent years, according to research.Over the past four years the world’s largest subscription video streaming services have dramatically changed their business models introducing lower-priced, basic advertising tiers to attract new subscribers, while also increasingly monetising users willing to pay more for a premium experience. Continue reading...

Reports of collapsed and severely damaged buildings in several major cities, including Cali and PereiraColombia earthquake live – latest updatesA powerful earthquake has struck western Colombia, with reports of collapsed and severely damaged buildings in major cities including Cali and Pereira.The US and Colombian geological surveys reported that a 7.4 magnitude earthquake had struck at 7.34 am local time (13.34 BST) on Monday, with its epicentre in the western department of Chocó. It was also felt in neighbouring Venezuela. Continue reading...