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Washington, D.C.

Al Jazeera English

Firefly Cancels Flights to Singapore Due to Haze from Indonesian Fires

Firefly has extended its suspension of flights between Kuala Lumpur and Singapore due to haze from Indonesian fires, which have made the air quality in both cities among the worst globally. The fires, intensified by El Nino, have led to unhealthy air quality levels, prompting the Singapore government to reintroduce subsidized care for haze-related illnesses. Malaysia's foreign minister is advocating for stronger regional mechanisms to address the haze issue during the upcoming ASEAN meeting.

Washington Examiner

Federal Judge Temporarily Halts Tree Removal at East Potomac Golf Links

A federal judge has issued a temporary order halting tree removals at East Potomac Golf Links, where the National Park Service began cutting down trees over the weekend. Judge Ana C. Reyes criticized the Trump administration for proceeding without court approval and clarified that routine maintenance does not exempt tree removals from her order.

New York Times — US

Tree Removal Underway at East Potomac Golf Links

Tree removal has commenced at East Potomac Golf Links, with workers using a tree harvester on October 10, 2026. The renovation project, which is supported by former President Donald Trump, includes the removal of over 500 trees.

Washington Examiner

Residents in Panama Sleep Outside After Earthquakes and Aftershocks

Residents in rural Panama spent the night on the streets following two significant earthquakes measuring 7.7 and 6.6 in magnitude. The earthquakes caused building collapses and injuries, but no fatalities have been reported. Authorities noted that damage was primarily in the central provinces, while operations at Tocumen International Airport resumed after temporary suspensions.

Al Jazeera English

Emerald Mining in Afghanistan Faces Challenges Amid Global Demand

Emerald mining in Afghanistan's Panjshir province faces significant challenges as miners rely on basic tools to extract stones under harsh conditions. An auction recently sold nearly 3,000 carats of emeralds, valued at approximately 400 million Afghanis ($6.12 million). Despite the demand for Panjshir emeralds, the sector struggles with a lack of modern equipment and international investment.

NPR — Top Stories

Fiji Declares National Emergency Due to Rising HIV Infections

Fiji's government declared a national emergency in September 2026 due to a rise in HIV infections, attributed largely to a crystal meth epidemic. Community leaders are calling for urgent intervention to address the public health crisis.

Al Jazeera English

Ivory Coast vs Ghana: AFCON 2027 Qualifier Details

Ivory Coast will host Ghana in an AFCON 2027 qualifier on September 24 at Stade de Bouake. Both teams feature high-profile players and are managed by experienced coaches. The match will be the 38th meeting between the two nations, with Ghana leading the head-to-head record.

New York Times — US

Journalists Barred from Entering White House

On September 21, 2026, journalist Betsy Klein from CNN reported from outside the White House after being barred from entering. She was part of a group of journalists from multiple news outlets affected by this restriction.

New York Times — Politics

Journalists Barred from Entering the White House

On September 21, 2026, CNN journalist Betsy Klein reported from outside the White House after being barred from entering. She was part of a group of journalists from multiple news outlets who were denied access.

The Hill

Attorney General Todd Blanche to Speak at 9/11 Memorial Event at DOJ

Attorney General Todd Blanche is scheduled to speak at a memorial event at the Department of Justice on September 11, 2026, marking the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. The event coincides with developments in the trial of Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, who is accused of orchestrating the attacks.

BBC — World

Indonesia volcano eruption strands 270,000 passengers as airports remain closed

A volcanic eruption from Anak Krakatau in Indonesia has stranded approximately 270,000 passengers as over 2,000 flights have been grounded and airports remain closed for a second day. The eruption has produced significant volcanic ash and lava fountains, prompting authorities to extend airport closures and issue warnings regarding safety in the vicinity of the volcano.

PBS NewsHour

Anak Krakatau Volcano Erupts in Indonesia, Leading to Flight Cancellations

Anak Krakatau, a volcano in Indonesia, erupted early Sunday, leading to the cancellation of all flights at Jakarta's Soekarno-Hatta International Airport and affecting other airports due to volcanic ash. The eruption, which lasted for 30 seconds at 3:53 a.m. and for 16 seconds later, resulted in the closure of eight airports and impacted approximately 170,000 passengers. Authorities have warned residents to stay at least 3 kilometers away from the active crater.

New York Post

Egyptian TV Presenter Sentenced to Death for Drug Trafficking

Sarah Khalifa, a former Egyptian TV presenter, has been sentenced to death for her role in a drug trafficking operation. Alongside 11 others, she was convicted of importing materials for drug production. The case involved 28 individuals and significant narcotics seizures, with the possibility of appeal under recent judicial reforms.