Global News Recap: September

1. United Nations General Assembly (80th Session) Opens:

On September 9–10, 2025, world leaders gathered in New York City for the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), a centerpiece of global diplomacy. Heads of state and foreign ministers addressed urgent issues including continuing conflicts in the Middle East, tensions between major powers, climate change, and economic instability. The assembly spotlighted disagreements over international aid, security council reform, and the role of emerging technologies, underscoring the ongoing challenges in achieving multilateral cooperation amid shifting geopolitical fault lines.

2. Nepal’s Mass Protests Force Government Change:

On September 8, Nepal experienced a dramatic wave of mass anti‑government protests, driven largely by young people and students opposing what they saw as censorship and corruption. The demonstrations, coordinated through social media, rapidly escalated into a nationwide political crisis with hundreds injured and at least 22 deaths. Under mounting pressure, Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli resigned, marking a pivotal moment in Nepal’s modern political history and underscoring the growing role of youth activism in national governance.

3. U.S. Military Strikes Venezuelan Vessels:

In early September, the U.S. military conducted a series of lethal strikes on small vessels near Venezuelan waters, asserting that the targets were engaged in drug trafficking and terrorism activities. The attacks, which resulted in significant loss of life, provoked debate over U.S. foreign policy and maritime engagement strategies, especially in the context of hemispheric security and legal jurisdiction on the high seas.

4. European Anti‑Immigration Protests Escalate:

Across the United Kingdom in early September, anti‑immigration protests broke out in multiple cities, often attracting counter‑demonstrations and heavy police presence. Demonstrators clashed over asylum policy and national identity, reflecting broader tensions in Europe about migration, integration, and security. Several arrests were reported, and the protests sparked intense public debate and political scrutiny in British media and Parliament.

5. Philippine “Trillion Peso March”:

On September 21, thousands of protesters took to the streets of Manila in what became known as the “Trillion Peso March,” named to highlight alleged corruption and mismanagement in national flood control projects. Organized by civil society groups and church leaders, the peaceful demonstration called for government accountability and transparency and drew diverse participants from across Philippine society.

6. Typhoon Bualoi Devastates Southeast Asia:

Late in the month, Typhoon Bualoi battered Southeast Asia — particularly Vietnam — bringing extreme rainfall, flooding, and strong winds. Severe destruction of homes and infrastructure was reported, and dozens of lives were lost as communities struggled with rescue operations and displacement. The storm added to a growing trend of climate‑related disasters in 2025 that stressed regional emergency response systems.

7. Glória Funicular Derailment in Portugal:

On September 3, a tragic accident in Lisbon saw the Glória funicular derail in the city center, killing at least 16 people and injuring more than 20. The historic hillside tram system — a popular transport link and tourist attraction — suffered its worst accident in decades, prompting investigations into safety standards and emergency response infrastructure in urban transportation systems across Europe.

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8. Ben & Jerry’s Co‑Founder Resigns:

Jerry Greenfield, co‑founder of Ben & Jerry’s, resigned on September 16 amid disagreements with parent company Unilever over political activism tied to sales in disputed territories. Greenfield’s departure drew substantial media attention on corporate governance and ethics, reigniting debates about the role of business in social justice campaigns.

9. School Shooting in Colorado:

On September 10, a shooting at Evergreen High School in Denver, Colorado, left multiple students seriously injured. The incident became one of the many tragic school shootings in the United States in 2025, reigniting calls for policy action on gun safety, mental health resources for youth, and interventions to prevent future violence.

10. Charlie Kirk Assassination Shocks the U.S.

Also on September  10, conservative activist and commentator Charlie Kirk was fatally shot outside an event at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah. This ignited reactions from political figures on both sides of the aisle and intensified debates about political violence and public safety.

11. Jimmy Kimmel Returns to Late‑Night TV:

After a brief and controversial suspension by ABC over comments about the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” returned to the air on September 23. The comeback episode drew one of the show’s highest viewership numbers in years, fueling discussions about free speech, broadcast standards, and political polarization in the U.S. entertainment industry.

12. Floods in Indonesia’s Bali:

Mid‑September floods in Bali, Indonesia, devastated communities and led to at least nine deaths, overwhelming emergency services and prompting international aid appeals. The extreme weather event underscored the escalating impacts of climate change on vulnerable island ecosystems and tourist‑dependent economies.

13. Earthquake Strikes the Philippines:

At the end of September, a powerful earthquake in the Philippines claimed dozens of lives and strained local medical facilities, as rescue teams searched for survivors. The disaster highlighted ongoing seismic risks in the Pacific Ring of Fire and the need for resilient infrastructure and disaster preparedness programs in the region.