September 16: Johannesburg Killings and Los Angeles News Helicopter Crash

In the European Union European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen used her State of the Union address to promise stronger EU action on wildfires and climate change, after Parliament honored a firefighter who died in the line of duty. She also called for a slower, more deliberate approach to developing the most powerful AI systems and proposed closer AI-safety cooperation with Canada, Britain, and other partners. In Los Angeles Three people were killed when an NBCLA news helicopter crashed while covering the scene of a separate fatal bus collision. Officials said the helicopter went down Tuesday evening, killing everyone aboard. In U.S. military spending The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office says the U.S. war with Iran has already cost more than $38 billion. It estimates monthly costs could rise by as much as $3 billion, depending on the intensity of the fighting. In South Africa Seven women have been found dead near Johannesburg’s international airport, including five discovered in the past week. The disappearance and death of 38-year-old Elizabeth Moselakgomo, who vanished after going for a run on September 9, has intensified public anger over violence against women and authorities’ failure to curb it. In the UK Inflation rose to 3.1% in August, up from 2.9% in July, with fuel costs the largest driver, according to the Office for National Statistics. Separate figures show complaints about water companies have surged after sharp bill increases, with affordability a central concern for customers.