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Fire on passenger ferry in Philippines leaves dozens missing and at least 5 dead

Fire on passenger ferry in Philippines leaves dozens missing and at least 5 dead

Dozens of people are missing after a fire broke out on a passenger ferry off the western Philippines

Sesame Workshop Launches Initiative to Prepare Families for Extreme Weather

Sesame Workshop Launches Initiative to Prepare Families for Extreme Weather

Sesame Workshop, the producer of "Sesame Street," has introduced a new initiative aimed at helping families prepare for and cope with extreme weather events. This effort coincides with National Preparedness Month. The core of the initiative is a special titled "Storm on Sesame Street," which premiered on Netflix and PBS Kids and will be available on YouTube starting September 25th. This special features the beloved Sesame Street characters as they prepare for a storm, experience its impact, and then engage in cleanup efforts, with assistance from celebrity guests like Post Malone and Michelle Buteau. In addition to the special, Sesame Workshop is providing free resources on its website under the "Emergencies" section. These resources include videos, family guides, a new storybook, and care kits, all designed to equip families with tools and information to navigate the challenges posed by severe weather. Rocio Galarza, Vice President of U.S. Educational Programs at Sesame Workshop, highlighted the importanc...

Smoke from charred ferry in Philippines hampers rescuers looking for 84 missing

Smoke from charred ferry in Philippines hampers rescuers looking for 84 missing

Rescuers are being hampered by the smoky, charred condition of a ferry drifting in Philippine waters after a fire onboard that left 84 people missing

Japan deploys equipment to Indonesia's Borneo to help fight wildfires causing toxic haze

Japan deploys equipment to Indonesia's Borneo to help fight wildfires causing toxic haze

A Japanese military transport ship docked on the island of Borneo as part of a disaster relief mission to help fight wildfires in Indonesia that are causing a toxic haze impacting people’s health in other countries

California Braces for Record Sea Levels Amid King Tides and El Niño

California Braces for Record Sea Levels Amid King Tides and El Niño

California is preparing for potentially record-breaking sea levels this fall and winter as the strongest El Niño in recorded history coincides with the highest king tides in 18 years. King tides, caused by the moon's proximity to Earth and alignment with the sun, create extreme high tides. When combined with El Niño's ocean water buildup along the California coast, these events could lead to significant flooding. Experts warn that this scenario offers a preview of future sea level rise impacts. Coastal areas, particularly within bays, are at risk of combined flooding from storm surges, runoff, and rising groundwater levels. The situation highlights the vulnerability of developed shorelines and the need for robust flood infrastructure and adaptation planning. (Source: PPIC, 2026-09-08)

Monster Waves Cause Severe Flooding and Damage in Long Beach, California

Monster Waves Cause Severe Flooding and Damage in Long Beach, California

Long Beach, California, experienced significant coastal flooding and destruction as waves up to 12 feet high battered the area on September 7 and 8, 2026. The waves, fueled by offshore Hurricane Marie, record-breaking ocean heat, and an emerging El Niño, breached seawalls, shredded boardwalks, and inundated streets. Approximately 20 homes along the Long Beach Peninsula were evacuated due to the severe flooding. Residents reported extensive property damage, including flooded garages, destroyed vehicles, and structural erosion beneath homes. Public works crews are working to reinforce sand berms to mitigate further damage during high tides.

Philippine Defense Secretary Confronts China Over South China Sea Claims at Seoul Forum

Philippine Defense Secretary Confronts China Over South China Sea Claims at Seoul Forum

Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. publicly challenged China's territorial claims in the South China Sea during the Seoul Defense Dialogue. While speaking at the forum, Teodoro received a note, reportedly from a Chinese defense attaché, reiterating China's stance that the 2016 arbitral award, which favored the Philippines, is 'illegal, null and void.' Teodoro read the note aloud and responded critically, asserting that China's position disregards international law, specifically the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). He accused China of using hostility and unchecked power, emphasizing the Philippines' commitment to not sacrificing its territory or sovereignty. This incident occurred during a session intended to foster dialogue and security cooperation among officials from various countries, highlighting the ongoing tensions between the Philippines and China over the disputed waters.

Extreme Heat Persists in Phoenix, Relief Expected Next Week

Extreme Heat Persists in Phoenix, Relief Expected Next Week

Phoenix is currently experiencing an extreme heat wave, with temperatures reaching triple digits throughout the week. According to azfamily.com, the National Weather Service has issued an Extreme Heat Warning for the area. Highs are expected to hover around 103°F (39.4°C) on Saturday and Sunday, with a potential drop into the upper 90s°F (32-37°C) by Tuesday of next week. Additionally, there is a chance of showers and storms across southern and southeastern Arizona midweek, which could bring some relief to the region. The heat has prompted the closure of hiking trails in the Phoenix metro area to ensure public safety.

Extreme Heat Warnings and Advisories Blanket Central and Southern U.S.

Extreme Heat Warnings and Advisories Blanket Central and Southern U.S.

Extreme Heat Warnings and Heat Advisories have been issued across the central and southern United States, the Southwest, and California as of September 8, 2026. The National Weather Service (NWS) forecasts heat index values reaching up to 45°C (113°F) in southern Texas and 44°C (112°F) in parts of Arkansas and Oklahoma. Western desert regions, including Death Valley and the Colorado River Valley, are expected to see temperatures as high as 47°C (116°F). Alerts are set to continue through September 11 in many areas. The Weather Prediction Center (WPC) highlights dangerous heat conditions in the central Plains and mid-Mississippi Valley, with daytime highs exceeding 38°C (100°F). Relief is anticipated east of the Rocky Mountains by late Wednesday due to a cold front. However, the southern Plains and western U.S. will experience prolonged heat due to upper-level ridging.

ICC Prosecution Seeks to Admit Recorded Testimony in Case Against Former President Duterte

ICC Prosecution Seeks to Admit Recorded Testimony in Case Against Former President Duterte

The prosecution at the International Criminal Court (ICC) has requested that judges admit the previously recorded testimony of a key prosecution witness, identified as P-1100, in the case against former President Rodrigo Duterte. This testimony is believed to provide evidence on an alleged policy of using violent crimes, including murder, to 'neutralize' alleged criminals in the Philippines. The prosecution's filing on September 7 asked Trial Chamber III to admit this testimony under Rule 68(3) of the ICC Rules of Procedure and Evidence. The testimony is considered relevant to the alleged policy, the modus operandi of the Davao Death Squad (DDS), and President Duterte's individual criminal responsibility, including his alleged knowledge and intent. The identity and specific details of P-1100's evidence remain largely redacted in the public filing.