Lead Story
Kim Jong Un pledges 'invariable support' for Russia's 'sacred' war on Ukraine, fueling fears of new troop deployment
In a letter to Vladimir Putin published by North Korean state media on Monday, September 15, 2026, Kim Jong Un vowed his 'invariable support' to the Russian president and people, declaring himself 'firmly convinced' of Russia's victory in what he called 'the present sacred war for defending the security interests of the country and international justice.' The letter, sent in reply to Putin's congratulations on North Korea's 78th founding anniversary, pledged to broaden cooperation with Moscow 'in a comprehensive way' based on the two countries' alliance. The message comes amid speculation that Pyongyang is preparing to send additional troops to reinforce Russia's war effort, with Kyiv claiming up to 50,000 North Korean soldiers could be due to deploy, though it has offered no evidence or timeframe.
Read more →Lead Story
Kim Jong Un pledges 'invariable support' for Russia's 'sacred' war on Ukraine, fueling fears of new troop deployment
In a letter to Vladimir Putin published by North Korean state media on Monday, September 15, 2026, Kim Jong Un vowed his 'invariable support' to the Russian president and people, declaring himself 'firmly convinced' of Russia's victory in what he called 'the present sacred war for defending the security interests of the country and international justice.' The letter, sent in reply to Putin's congratulations on North Korea's 78th founding anniversary, pledged to broaden cooperation with Moscow 'in a comprehensive way' based on the two countries' alliance. The message comes amid speculation that Pyongyang is preparing to send additional troops to reinforce Russia's war effort, with Kyiv claiming up to 50,000 North Korean soldiers could be due to deploy, though it has offered no evidence or timeframe.
Indonesia widens Java Sea search as ferry disaster enters third day with over 120 still missing
Indonesian search-and-rescue teams expanded their operation into a third day on Monday, September 14-15, 2026, for passengers still unaccounted for after the ferry Virgo Transport 8 overturned in rough seas in the Java Sea's Masalembo waters on September 13 while sailing from Surabaya to Banjarmasin with more than 240 people aboard. Six bodies have been recovered and 108 survivors rescued, leaving roughly 129 people missing as ships, aircraft and helicopters comb an expanding search area around the vessel's last known position. A survivor said the ferry had been overcrowded, with passengers sleeping in hallways because cabins were full, as investigators continue examining whether the sinking was caused by the severe weather, a technical fault or human error.
Read more →Indonesia widens Java Sea search as ferry disaster enters third day with over 120 still missing
Indonesian search-and-rescue teams expanded their operation into a third day on Monday, September 14-15, 2026, for passengers still unaccounted for after the ferry Virgo Transport 8 overturned in rough seas in the Java Sea's Masalembo waters on September 13 while sailing from Surabaya to Banjarmasin with more than 240 people aboard. Six bodies have been recovered and 108 survivors rescued, leaving roughly 129 people missing as ships, aircraft and helicopters comb an expanding search area around the vessel's last known position. A survivor said the ferry had been overcrowded, with passengers sleeping in hallways because cabins were full, as investigators continue examining whether the sinking was caused by the severe weather, a technical fault or human error.
US House tees up vote on Russia-Iran sanctions bill carrying 100% tariff power over India and China
The House Rules Committee advanced the bipartisan 'Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026' on Monday, September 14, 2026, clearing the way for a full floor vote later this week, though its prospects for passage remain uncertain. The bill, which the Senate passed 86-11 in August, would let President Trump impose tariffs of up to 100% on countries that are major buyers of Russian oil and gas — chiefly India and China — and extends sanctions targeting Iran's energy and weapons sectors for five more years. Several Democratic lawmakers have raised concerns that the measure hands Trump sweeping new tariff authority he could use against US allies, complicating the bill's path even as backers push to get it to his desk quickly.
Read more →US House tees up vote on Russia-Iran sanctions bill carrying 100% tariff power over India and China
The House Rules Committee advanced the bipartisan 'Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026' on Monday, September 14, 2026, clearing the way for a full floor vote later this week, though its prospects for passage remain uncertain. The bill, which the Senate passed 86-11 in August, would let President Trump impose tariffs of up to 100% on countries that are major buyers of Russian oil and gas — chiefly India and China — and extends sanctions targeting Iran's energy and weapons sectors for five more years. Several Democratic lawmakers have raised concerns that the measure hands Trump sweeping new tariff authority he could use against US allies, complicating the bill's path even as backers push to get it to his desk quickly.
Gaza ceasefire violations grind on as Israeli fire kills two, wounds dozens in a single day
Israeli forces killed two Palestinians and wounded 28 others, including four children, in strikes and gunfire across the Gaza Strip on Sunday and Monday, September 13-14, 2026, in the latest breaches of the truce that has technically held since October 2025. Israeli military vehicles fired on areas east of Gaza City and Khan Younis and shelled tents sheltering displaced families near Khan Younis's Austrian Cemetery area, marking roughly the 340th consecutive day of shelling, gunfire or incursions since the ceasefire began. Gaza's Health Ministry says the Palestinian death toll since the truce took effect has climbed to about 1,370, with more than 4,600 injured, underscoring how the ceasefire has yet to bring a genuine end to violence on the ground.
Read more →Gaza ceasefire violations grind on as Israeli fire kills two, wounds dozens in a single day
Israeli forces killed two Palestinians and wounded 28 others, including four children, in strikes and gunfire across the Gaza Strip on Sunday and Monday, September 13-14, 2026, in the latest breaches of the truce that has technically held since October 2025. Israeli military vehicles fired on areas east of Gaza City and Khan Younis and shelled tents sheltering displaced families near Khan Younis's Austrian Cemetery area, marking roughly the 340th consecutive day of shelling, gunfire or incursions since the ceasefire began. Gaza's Health Ministry says the Palestinian death toll since the truce took effect has climbed to about 1,370, with more than 4,600 injured, underscoring how the ceasefire has yet to bring a genuine end to violence on the ground.
Fed opens two-day meeting with markets betting heavily on first rate hike since 2023
The Federal Reserve's Federal Open Market Committee opened its two-day policy meeting on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, with traders pricing in roughly a 90% likelihood that the central bank will raise its benchmark federal funds rate by a quarter point, to a range of 3.75%-4.00%, when it announces its decision Wednesday. The expected move — which would be the Fed's first rate increase since 2023 — follows Chair Kevin Warsh's hawkish Jackson Hole remarks last month and a string of hotter-than-expected inflation reports, including a September 11 Consumer Price Index reading that stayed above the Fed's 2% target. The meeting will also produce the Fed's updated Summary of Economic Projections and 'dot plot,' which investors will scour for signs of how much further tightening policymakers expect over the coming year.
Read more →Fed opens two-day meeting with markets betting heavily on first rate hike since 2023
The Federal Reserve's Federal Open Market Committee opened its two-day policy meeting on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, with traders pricing in roughly a 90% likelihood that the central bank will raise its benchmark federal funds rate by a quarter point, to a range of 3.75%-4.00%, when it announces its decision Wednesday. The expected move — which would be the Fed's first rate increase since 2023 — follows Chair Kevin Warsh's hawkish Jackson Hole remarks last month and a string of hotter-than-expected inflation reports, including a September 11 Consumer Price Index reading that stayed above the Fed's 2% target. The meeting will also produce the Fed's updated Summary of Economic Projections and 'dot plot,' which investors will scour for signs of how much further tightening policymakers expect over the coming year.