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Daily news brief — 13 September 2026

10 stories · 11 sources · 5 minute read

Plus, a crypto billionaire's record donation to Reform UK, Sweden's tight election, and 7 other stories

01worldCovered by 8 outlets

Houthis seize control of Yemen's Red Sea coast and strategic islands

The Iran-backed Houthis have seized control of Yemen's entire Red Sea coast and three strategic islands, including Perim, in a lightning offensive. The advance cements their hold on the Bab al-Mandab Strait, a vital shipping corridor linking Europe and Asia.

Why it matters

The takeover threatens global energy supplies by giving the Houthis potential leverage to choke off a critical oil-shipping route, especially as Saudi Arabia faces added risks.

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02worldCovered by 3 outlets

Russian airstrikes across Ukraine kill nine and damage infrastructure

Russian airstrikes across multiple Ukrainian regions killed nine people, injured dozens, and damaged residential buildings and infrastructure. The attacks hit various locations, including a grocery store in Zhytomyr, private cars in Kramatorsk, and port facilities in Odesa.

Why it matters

The intensified Russian attacks on power plants and other infrastructure have left Ukrainian officials bracing for a very difficult and brutal winter.

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03world

Reform UK receives record £36 million donation from crypto billionaire

Nigel Farage's Reform UK party has received a record thirty-six million pound donation from crypto billionaire Ben Delo. This contribution represents the largest single donation ever given to a political party in the United Kingdom.

Why it matters

The donation gives Reform UK a significant financial advantage over its political rivals as the party faces scrutiny and a police investigation over its past funding reports.

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“Why it matters” for the rest of today's stories is available in the Fivly app.

04world

Fighting intensifies in Yemen as Houthi forces and government trade strikes

Fighting has intensified in Yemen as Houthi forces and the country's internationally recognized government trade strikes. The escalating conflict has displaced tens of thousands of people.

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05world

Sweden holds general election with polls showing tight race

Sweden is voting in a highly competitive general election with polls showing a dead heat between the left-wing opposition and the conservative bloc. The outcome will determine if the left-wing opposition reclaims power or if the far-right enters government for the first time.

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06world

Mass protests held across Germany against AfD

About 150,000 demonstrators protested in around 20 German cities on Saturday against the far-right AfD party. The protests follow the AfD's recent victory in the Saxony-Anhalt state election, where the party won nearly 44 percent of the vote.

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07worldCovered by 3 outlets

Death toll from Philippines ferry fire reaches 76

A devastating fire on the passenger ferry M/V June Aster in the Philippines has killed at least 76 people. The fire erupted in the cargo hold on Wednesday evening and quickly tore through the vessel, leaving 13 people still missing.

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08worldCovered by 2 outlets

Ferry sinks off Vanuatu coast leaving one dead and dozens missing

A ferry carrying more than 40 passengers and crew sank off the coast of Vanuatu during very rough seas. One person has been confirmed dead, and more than 30 others remain missing as search and rescue operations continue.

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09health

GP patient data integrated into NHS Palantir platform

The NHS has quietly launched a pilot program integrating GP patient data into its Palantir-powered data platform. This marks a significant expansion of the controversial software, which was previously limited to hospital use.

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10business

US pressures development banks to abandon climate finance targets

The United States is pressuring multilateral development banks to abandon their climate finance targets. Other lenders are now expected to follow the World Bank in ditching these lending goals.

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