United States

A 16-year-old gunman shot dead three children and a teacher at Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend, Oregon, on Thursday afternoon. The children were aged five, eight and 11; the teacher was 54. A seven-year-old and another teacher were critically injured. The attacker forced his way in by shooting at locked doors and was shot dead by a community member who followed him inside, police said. The motive remains unknown and classes were cancelled Friday.

11 reports · 4 sources · Updated Oct 16, 07:37 AM UTC

President Donald Trump has rejected an Iranian proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz within seven days, which also included a ceasefire and nuclear talks. Multiple US officials report Trump told aides he expects to resume bombing Iran after the November midterm elections. Iran’s Foreign Minister Araghchi stated Iran is fully prepared for war but remains open to diplomacy, awaiting a formal US position via Qatari mediators. The conflict, ongoing since February, has disrupted global oil markets.

54 reports · 16 sources · Updated Oct 1, 11:55 PM UTC

Two giant pandas, Ping Ping and Fu Shuang, arrived at Zoo Atlanta on September 27 as part of a 10-year loan from China. The pandas were transported via charter flight and are described as "friendship envoys" by Chinese President Xi Jinping. The loan follows a summit between Xi and former U.S. President Donald Trump. A Chinese veterinarian and keeper will remain at the zoo for three months to help the pandas acclimate.

14 reports · 5 sources · Updated Sep 29, 01:08 AM UTC

The United States, Denmark, and Greenland signed a security agreement on September 22-23, 2026, at the UN General Assembly in New York, amending the 1951 defense pact. The deal allows the US to build two new military bases at Narsarsuaq and Mestersvig, modernize Pituffik Space Base, and bars non-NATO nations from establishing military installations or making sensitive investments in Greenland. The agreement reaffirms Danish sovereignty and Greenland's self-determination rights.

33 reports · 17 sources · Updated Sep 28, 03:21 PM UTC

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned Iran is fully prepared for a resumed war, even a "doomsday war," after President Trump rejected a proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz within seven days. The proposal, conveyed via Qatar, required the US to lift its naval blockade, unfreeze $12 billion in assets, and end regional hostilities. Trump called the deal unacceptable, claiming Iran is "losing badly." Iran awaits a definitive US response through mediators.

103 reports · 25 sources · Updated Sep 28, 01:21 PM UTC

Chinese President Xi Jinping concluded a state visit to the United States on September 25, returning to Beijing after meetings with U.S. President Donald Trump. The two leaders agreed to build a “constructive strategic stability relationship based on respect, fairness, and reciprocity.” The visit included a White House welcome ceremony, talks, a state dinner, and a tea meeting. Trump offered a two-month extension of a tariff pause. Xi’s arrival featured a rare tarmac welcome with a 21-gun salute and B-1 bomber flyover.

55 reports · 13 sources · Updated Sep 27, 11:33 PM UTC

Chinese President Xi Jinping made a three-day state visit to Washington, D.C., from September 23 to 25, 2026, at the invitation of U.S. President Donald Trump. The visit included a rare tarmac welcome, Oval Office talks, a state dinner, and a tea ceremony. Key outcomes included an extension of the trade truce to January, an agreement to invite 100,000 American youths to China, and the planned transfer of giant pandas to Atlanta Zoo. Both leaders emphasized a “constructive strategic stability” relationship.

58 reports · 20 sources · Updated Sep 26, 05:35 PM UTC

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the UN General Assembly on September 24, 2026, defending Israel's military campaigns in Iran and Gaza while under an active ICC arrest warrant for alleged war crimes. Dozens of delegates walked out in protest, and over 100 protesters, including celebrities, were detained outside. Netanyahu denounced critics as "moral cowards" and called the genocide accusation "the biggest lie of the century."

23 reports · 8 sources · Updated Sep 25, 06:41 PM UTC

Qatar confirmed it is mediating indirect talks between the US and Iran, with multiple US officials expressing desire to reach an agreement. President Trump stated he is at a "decision-making stage" on Iran, not ruling out a meeting with Iranian President Pezeshkian. Iran proposed reopening the Strait of Hormuz if the US lifts its blockade, but the US rejected the proposal, questioning Iran's authority over the waterway. Technical consultations have reportedly begun in New York.

24 reports · 7 sources · Updated Sep 25, 04:04 PM UTC

Gulf Arab states, including Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Qatar, are set to urge U.S. President Donald Trump to avoid escalating hostilities with Iran during a meeting on Tuesday at the United Nations General Assembly in New York. The GCC members seek to end the ongoing conflict, which has resulted in thousands of Iranian missile and drone attacks on their territory and disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, causing economic contraction. Internal divisions remain among Gulf governments on handling Iran.

5 reports · 4 sources · Updated Sep 25, 02:00 AM UTC

At the UN General Assembly, Iranian President Pezeshkian rejected Trump's terrorism accusations, accusing the US and Israel of attacking innocents. Iran's security chief stated the Strait of Hormuz will not reopen until Tehran's conditions are met, and warned Iran can withstand potential US strikes on nuclear sites. The Iranian military dismissed Trump's remarks as domestic propaganda, asserting threats only unite Iranians.

18 reports · 3 sources · Updated Sep 24, 11:00 PM UTC

Iran has conveyed a set of conditions to the United States through Qatari and Pakistani mediation, demanding an end to all hostilities, lifting of the naval blockade, unfreezing of assets, and non-interference in internal affairs as prerequisites for resuming negotiations. Iran's Supreme National Security Council Secretary stated the US must accept these terms to avoid further escalation, while Iran awaits a response from President Trump.

18 reports · 7 sources · Updated Sep 23, 03:34 PM UTC

France, coordinating with Washington, has begun drafting a United Nations resolution to establish an international mission aimed at restoring and ensuring safe navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. The French Foreign Ministry confirmed the initiative, though specific content and timeline remain undisclosed. The move addresses security concerns in the strategic waterway, a critical chokepoint for global oil shipments, amid ongoing regional tensions.

5 reports · 2 sources · Updated Sep 22, 02:20 PM UTC

U.S. President Donald Trump stated the U.S. is in talks with Yemen's Houthi rebels, who agreed not to attack the U.S., but declined to pledge military support to Yemen's president. Trump considered airstrikes against the Houthis over the weekend but shelved the plan, according to U.S. officials. Houthi forces subsequently seized strategic highland terrain, prompting thousands to flee. Saudi Arabia is rattled by U.S. reluctance to engage, while U.S. military leaders remain divided.

16 reports · 5 sources · Updated Sep 22, 11:00 AM UTC

SK Hynix subsidiary Solidigm is evaluating construction of its first NAND flash memory production plant in the eastern United States, according to multiple sources. The company currently manufactures only in Dalian, China. The evaluation is driven by surging AI data center demand and pressure from the Trump administration, which has threatened tariffs of up to 100% on Korean chipmakers. SK Hynix stated Solidigm is reviewing options but no plans have been finalized.

9 reports · 5 sources · Updated Sep 22, 06:17 AM UTC

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced on September 20 that he spoke by phone with U.S. President Donald Trump and they agreed to meet in New York. Zelensky expressed hope the meeting could bring a significant change to the Russia-Ukraine war. He said Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff and son-in-law Jared Kushner recently visited Kyiv for detailed discussions. Ukraine has proposed de-escalation measures and ideas on energy security, food security, and civilian protection, and is working with the U.S. team.

11 reports · 5 sources · Updated Sep 21, 09:13 PM UTC

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum announced Mexico will increase purchases of U.S. goods and reduce imports from other countries as part of the USMCA review. She reported a "very good" call with Donald Trump and stated her administration is making every effort to reach a trade agreement quickly while respecting Mexico's sovereignty. Politico sources say the two leaders are close to a deal, though no terms have been confirmed.

7 reports · 4 sources · Updated Sep 21, 03:19 PM UTC

U.S. President Donald Trump has stated repeatedly that Iran is eager to reach a deal, calling it "desperate" and "losing on all fronts." He has signaled conditional openness to engagement, including a possible meeting with Iran's president, while also warning Iran to exercise restraint and weighing further military action. Iran's Supreme National Security Council Secretary Rezaei countered that Iran will not negotiate unless its conditions are met. U.S. UN Ambassador Waltz echoed Trump's conditional openness, insisting Iran must return to talks.

14 reports · 4 sources · Updated Sep 21, 11:46 AM UTC

President Donald Trump announced on social media plans to establish an "AI Force" modeled after the Space Force and appoint an AI czar to oversee the sector. He described AI as the next industrial revolution, predicting it could account for 25% of U.S. GDP. Trump dismissed concerns about AI risks as a "hoax," vowed not to hinder industry growth, and said the U.S. would use existing criminal and civil justice systems to punish illegal AI activities. The announcement drew criticism from within his own party and from industry figures.

31 reports · 12 sources · Updated Sep 21, 10:36 AM UTC

The United States, Denmark, and Greenland have reached a security agreement granting the US permanent control over Greenland's security, with plans to sign it at the UN General Assembly. US President Donald Trump claims the deal bars adversaries from military presence or sensitive investments without US approval. Denmark and Greenland emphasize the agreement respects Danish sovereignty and Greenlandic self-determination. NATO welcomed the deal as advancing Arctic stability. Key details, including differences from the 1951 defense agreement, remain undisclosed.

56 reports · 14 sources · Updated Sep 21, 09:52 AM UTC

India has warned that a US bill allowing President Trump to impose tariffs of up to 100% on major buyers of Russian oil could damage bilateral relations and disrupt global energy markets. The US Congress gave final approval to the comprehensive sanctions bill, sending it to Trump for signature. India, the largest buyer of Russian seaborne crude, stated its resolve to protect its trade interests and ensure energy security for its 1.4 billion people. China also reiterated opposition to long-arm jurisdiction.

9 reports · 4 sources · Updated Sep 21, 08:47 AM UTC

South Korean President Lee Jae-myung will visit the United States and Mexico from September 21 to 27 to attend the UN General Assembly in New York and hold a summit with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum. He plans bilateral meetings with US and Australian leaders on the sidelines. A potential meeting with US President Donald Trump is under discussion amid negotiations on a $350 billion South Korean investment plan in the US.

6 reports · 3 sources · Updated Sep 21, 05:19 AM UTC

Economic and trade teams from China and the United States began bilateral consultations in New York on September 20 local time. Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng and U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent attended the talks, shaking hands before the meeting. No details on the agenda or outcomes were released.

11 reports · 6 sources · Updated Sep 20, 02:53 PM UTC

China’s Ministry of Commerce confirmed that Vice Premier He Lifeng will lead a delegation to the United States from September 19 to 23 for the next round of China-US economic and trade consultations. The talks, agreed by both sides, will address economic and trade issues of mutual concern, guided by consensus between the two heads of state. The announcement provides official dates and the lead negotiator, signaling continued high-level dialogue amid ongoing trade tensions.

12 reports · 6 sources · Updated Sep 19, 01:25 AM UTC

US President Donald Trump repeatedly stated between September 13 and 19 that the war with Iran will end soon, either before or after the November midterm elections, and that gasoline prices will then fall sharply. He claimed Iran is eager for a deal and that the US is "easily winning." However, the Wall Street Journal reported that Trump's top advisers privately assess the conflict could last through his term, contrasting his public predictions.

7 reports · 4 sources · Updated Sep 18, 08:45 PM UTC

South Korean memory chipmaker SK Hynix is in exploratory talks with Intel to produce memory chips on US soil for the first time, potentially leasing part of Intel’s Ohio facility or forming a joint venture with Intel and cloud companies. SK Hynix denied any confirmed plans but said it is reviewing options. Intel called the reports speculation. Shares of both companies rose on the news. The talks face potential obstacles including South Korean government approval and the Ohio campus not expected to be operational until 2030–2031.

20 reports · 4 sources · Updated Sep 18, 09:52 AM UTC

Canadian Prime Minister Carney stated that a mutually beneficial agreement with the United States is possible and that he is prepared to negotiate, but only if the U.S. respects Canada's sovereignty and traditions. He characterized President Trump's remarks as a positive initiative and argued that a stronger, more resilient Canada will be a more effective partner for the U.S. The statements signal a conditional, forward-looking diplomatic posture amid ongoing trade tensions.

9 reports · 3 sources · Updated Sep 17, 10:50 AM UTC

U.S. President Donald Trump announced on September 14 that Russia and Ukraine agreed to halt attacks on each other’s energy facilities. Ukraine’s President Zelensky expressed skepticism, stating Ukraine will cease attacks only if partners guarantee Russia stops striking Ukrainian energy and grain infrastructure. The Kremlin called Trump’s proposal a “good idea” but later noted it lacks concrete support. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Sybiha confirmed Kyiv’s willingness to reach an energy ceasefire. No independent confirmation from Russia or Ukraine has been provided.

15 reports · 4 sources · Updated Sep 17, 08:10 AM UTC

Japan and the United States are in talks to build a semiconductor factory in the US, part of a $550 billion (¥85 trillion) investment plan agreed during tariff negotiations. The project, valued at several trillion yen, marks a shift from past Japanese investments in US power generation toward high-tech manufacturing. No specific timeline, location, or companies have been disclosed.

5 reports · 3 sources · Updated Sep 17, 06:10 AM UTC

Belarus state news agency BELTA, citing an envoy of former US President Donald Trump named Cole, reported that Belarus has released 25 prisoners and the United States will lift sanctions on two Belarusian companies. Cole stated additional releases and sanctions relief are conditional on resolving outstanding bilateral issues. The reports indicate diplomatic progress between the historically strained nations, though details on prisoners, companies, and the envoy’s current official status remain unclear.

6 reports · 2 sources · Updated Sep 16, 12:57 PM UTC