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A street vendor sells campaign flags of presidential candidates Sen. Flavio Bolsonaro and current President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva who is running for reelection in Brasilia, Brazil, Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2026.

A street vendor sells campaign flags of presidential candidates Sen. Flávio Bolsonaro and current President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, who is running for reelection in Brasilia, Brazil, Tuesday. Eraldo Peres/AP hide caption

Eraldo Peres/AP

The Americas

Picanha, prices and politics: What Brazil's favorite steak says about the election

President Lula promised Brazilians four years ago they'd be able to afford picanha again. Now, as he seeks another term, the price of the country's favorite cut of beef is telling a different story.

Exterior of the International Criminal Court building in The Hague.

The International Criminal Court in The Hague on Sept. 23. Remko de Waal/ANP/AFP via Getty Images hide caption

Remko de Waal/ANP/AFP via Getty Images

What life under U.S. sanctions looks like for one ICC judge

Kimberly Prost, a Canadian judge at the International Criminal Court, says U.S. sanctions disrupted her daily life. She is still hearing cases and challenging the sanctions in court.

How would increased U.S. sanctions against ICC affect the court

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U.S. military officially leaves Iraq

Iraqi security officers flash victory signs as they ride on vehicles decorated with national flags and ribbons during a convoy celebrating the complete withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraq, in Baghdad, Wednesday. Hadi Mizban/AP hide caption

Hadi Mizban/AP

State of the World from NPR

U.S. military officially leaves Iraq

American forces made a formal exit from Iraq with a low-key ceremony. It marks the end of an era that began over 23 years ago with President George Bush’s “shock and awe” invasion. The U.S. military has actually been in Iraq for much of the last 35 years, and the country is still facing an uncertain future.

U.S. military officially leaves Iraq

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A Swiss glacier shows the effects of years of ice loss, with exposed rock replacing ice that once covered the landscape.

A Swiss glacier shows the effects of years of ice loss, with exposed rock replacing ice that once covered the landscape. Swiss Academy of Natural Sciences hide caption

Swiss Academy of Natural Sciences

Europe

Swiss glaciers suffer another year of record ice loss

Switzerland's glaciers are disappearing at a record pace. More than 5% of their ice has vanished this year alone — threatening water supplies, ecosystems and communities across Europe.

Swiss glaciers suffer another year of record ice loss

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TZAFRIA, ISRAEL - SEPTEMBER 30: A passenger raises his arms in relief as he walks through the domestic arrivals doors with his dog and luggage at Ben Gurion Airport on September 30, 2026 in Tzafria, Israel. A flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv was diverted to Saudi Arabia after a violent altercation in the cockpit.

A passenger raises his arms in relief as he walks through the domestic arrivals doors with his dog and luggage at Ben Gurion Airport in Tzafria, Israel, on Wednesday. A FlyDubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv was diverted to Saudi Arabia after a violent altercation in the cockpit. Erik Marmor/Getty Images hide caption

Erik Marmor/Getty Images

Middle East

A midair stabbing on a flight to Israel is investigated for possible terrorist links

Saudi Arabia says the attacker and pilot who was stabbed have both been sent back to United Arab Emirates. Emirati officials are investigating the incident for possible terrorist links.

Israel's PM says a pilot tried to crash a plane traveling to Tel Aviv

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A US Air Force C-130 Hercules military transport aircraft prepares for takeoff from Camp Victory on the outskirts of Baghdad International Airport on Sept. 29, 2026.

A US Air Force C-130 Hercules military transport aircraft prepares for takeoff from Camp Victory on the outskirts of Baghdad International Airport on Sept. 29, 2026. Ammar Karim/AFP via Getty Images hide caption

Ammar Karim/AFP via Getty Images

Up First Newsletter

U.S. forces exit Iraq amid Iran war. And, SCOTUS revives Trump deportation policy

The U.S. has withdrawn its final troops from Iraq, leaving its defense future uncertain. And, the Supreme Court has sided for now with the Trump administration on third-country deportations.

Trump AI Summit, US Pulls Out Of Iraq, SCOTUS Third Country Deportations

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Vehicles drive past a billboard carrying the Arabic slogan "Reclaiming the decision and building the home," at Saadoun Square in Baghdad on Tuesday.

Vehicles drive past a billboard carrying the Arabic slogan "Reclaiming the decision and building the home," at Saadoun Square in Baghdad on Tuesday. Ahmad Al-Rubaye/AFP via Getty Images hide caption

Ahmad Al-Rubaye/AFP via Getty Images

Middle East conflict

The U.S. military withdraws from Iraq over 2 decades after its invasion

23 years after the United States military invaded Iraq, sparking an insurgency and a civil war, the U.S. has withdrawn its forces, as the country still tries to combat Iranian influence.

U.S. withdraws final troops from Iraq

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President Donald Trump speaks as Army Lt. Gen. H.R. McMaster listens at Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Fla., in February 2017.

President Donald Trump speaks as Army Lt. Gen. H.R. McMaster listens at Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Fla., in February 2017. Susan Walsh/AP hide caption

Susan Walsh/AP

Middle East conflict

Retired general who led troops in Iraq warns U.S. exit may give Iran, ISIS an opening

Retired Lt. Gen. H.R. McMaster, who commanded U.S. troops in Iraq, says the withdrawal could strengthen Iran and leave Iraq more vulnerable to ISIS.

The U.S. is pulling its last troops out of Iraq. How will it affect the Middle East

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People gather during a protest following the eviction last Wednesday of 87-year-old Maricarmen to demand stronger laws to protect renters at Puerta del Sol in Madrid, Spain, Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026.

People gather during a protest following the eviction last Wednesday of 87-year-old Maricarmen to demand stronger laws to protect renters at Puerta del Sol in Madrid, Spain, Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026. Manu Fernandez/AP hide caption

Manu Fernandez/AP

Europe

An 87-year-old woman whose eviction sparked protests in Spain is returning home

María del Carmen Abascal's case has drawn tens of thousands of people to the streets in recent days and led the Spanish government to present measures to address the country's housing crisis.

U.S. demands action on Nicaraguan decision to end elections

Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega in Caracas, Venezuela on April 24, 2024. This summer, Ortega announced an end to national elections. The U.S. is calling for a rare meeting of the OAS to confront Nicaragua about the move. Gaby Oraa/Bloomberg via Getty Images hide caption

Gaby Oraa/Bloomberg via Getty Images

State of the World from NPR

U.S. demands action on Nicaraguan decision to end elections

Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega made a bombshell announcement this summer that he’s ending national elections. Now, the U.S is pushing leaders in the Americas to confront Nicaragua, and is calling for a rare meeting of the Organization of American States.

U.S. demands action on Nicaraguan decision to end elections

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Europe on edge from threats of Russia's growing escalation. Can NATO defend itself?

Ukrainian firefighters extinguish a fire at a shopping centre following a Russian drone strike in Zaporizhzhia on Tuesday, amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Darya Nazarova/AFP via Getty Images hide caption

Darya Nazarova/AFP via Getty Images

Sources & Methods

Europe on edge from threats of Russia's growing escalation. Can NATO defend itself?

Russia threatens attacks beyond Ukraine's border and rattles Europe. Is it ready?

Europe on edge from threats of Russia's growing escalation. Can NATO defend itself?

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U.S. President Donald Trump (2nd-L) speaks to Archivist of the United States Bradford Wilson (L) as he views the U.S. Constitution during a tour of the National Archives Museum alongside first lady Melania Trump, President of China Xi Jinping and first lady of China Peng Liyuan on September 25, 2026 in Washington, DC.

U.S. President Donald Trump (2nd-L) speaks to Archivist of the United States Bradford Wilson (L) as he views the U.S. Constitution during a tour of the National Archives Museum alongside first lady Melania Trump, President of China Xi Jinping and first lady of China Peng Liyuan on September 25, 2026 in Washington, DC. Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images hide caption

Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images

U.S. vs. China: Inside a great power rivalry

Potential Taiwan tension sparked 'last minute' change in Trump-Xi National Archives visit

The sudden change was precipitated because of Chinese displeasure over one document that the U.S. had planned to show.

A view of one of the entrances to the Cornell University campus on Nov. 3, 2023, in Ithaca, New York.

A view of one of the entrances to the Cornell University campus on Nov. 3, 2023, in Ithaca, New York. Matt Burkhartt/Getty Images hide caption

Matt Burkhartt/Getty Images

Up First Newsletter

Trump weakens fuel efficiency standards. And, Cornell fraternity rape case reopened

The Trump administration has weakened fuel efficiency standards for new cars. And, prosecutors have reopened a Cornell University fraternity rape case.

UK Terror Plot Investigation, Trump's Fuel Efficiency Rollback, Cornell Rape Case

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Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan speaks during the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly at United Nations headquarters in New York, Sept. 22.

Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan speaks during the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly at United Nations headquarters in New York, Sept. 22. Seth Wenig/AP hide caption

Seth Wenig/AP

Analysis

Middle East conflict

As the U.S. signals a smaller Middle East footprint, Turkey is ready to step in

Turkey's bid for regional influence comes as the Middle East has been hit by profound shocks that started with the Hamas-led 2023 attack on Israel and continue with the seven-month-old war on Iran.

Turkey’s quest for Mideast power

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Where is Austin Tice?: The escape
Russell Gossett

Embedded

Where is Austin Tice?: The escape

When was the last time Austin was seen alive? Josh and Sara find the people who claim to know. Josh meets a man who says he interrogated Austin. Then two more witnesses are found. Each of them helps fill gaps in Austin’s story, and the hidden months of his captivity are revealed.

Where is Austin Tice?: The escape

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Turkey’s quest for Mideast power

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, on Sept. 22. Toby Melville/AP hide caption

Toby Melville/AP

State of the World from NPR

Turkey’s quest for Mideast power

Turkey’s burgeoning defense industry, soft cultural power and role as conflict mediator are growing its influence in the Middle East. As dynamics with Iran, Gaza and the U.S. shift, Turkey is positioning itself as a new regional power.

Turkey’s quest for Mideast power

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Police man a roadblock outside RAF Fairford in southwest England on Monday, a day after British counterterrorism police began investigating what they called a “major” incident near the U.S. Air Force base.

Police man a roadblock outside RAF Fairford in southwest England on Monday, a day after British counterterrorism police began investigating what they called a "major" incident near the U.S. Air Force base. Ben Stansall/AFP via Getty Images hide caption

Ben Stansall/AFP via Getty Images

Up First Newsletter

What we know about the suspected U.K. terror plot. And, why the Gulf remains in limbo

What we know — and still don't — about the suspected terror plot near a U.K. air base. Trump rejects Iran's offer to pause fighting. And CNN prepares for new owners with ties to Trump.

Trump Rejects Iran's Ceasefire, UK Foiled Plot Near US Base, Trump Press Corps Fight

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Protesters camp during a protest following the eviction last Wednesday of 87-year-old Maricarmen to demand stronger laws to protect renters at Sol square in Madrid, Spain, Sunday, Sept. 27, 2026.

Protesters camp during a protest following the eviction last Wednesday of 87-year-old Maricarmen to demand stronger laws to protect renters at Sol square in Madrid, Spain, Sunday, Sept. 27, 2026. Manu Fernandez/AP hide caption

Manu Fernandez/AP

Europe

Eviction of 87-year-old sparks protests in Madrid over housing crisis

Tens of thousands marched through Madrid on Saturday to protest Spain's housing crisis and the eviction of an 87-year-old woman, camping overnight in Madrid's historic Puerta del Sol plaza.

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