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Daily News Summary – 2026-09-25 – en
On September 25, 2026, the global news landscape is marked by sharp political contests, security tensions, and regulatory shifts. Brazil's presidential race tightens as Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva accuses the United States of interference. In Europe, Italy approves school restrictions on religious face coverings and foreign-student quotas, while Swedish and Finnish jets jointly intercept Russian aircraft over the Gulf of Finland. Pope Leo XIV begins a high-profile visit to France, focusing on abuse survivors and AI ethics. Volkswagen and Audi recall 2.8 million vehicles over a steering bolt defect. Meanwhile, economic stories range from China's critical mineral export controls and the EU's carbon border tax to the ongoing restructuring of global energy and financial systems after the Hormuz crisis and BRICS de-dollarization.
Top Stories
Lula accuses Trump of trying to colonise Brazil in new TV ad
President Lula da Silva sharpened his attacks on US President Trump and rival Flávio Bolsonaro, accusing Washington of seeking to colonise Brazil and seize its natural resources. With polls showing a statistical dead heat, the election is set for 4 October 2026, with a likely runoff on 25 October.
Pope Leo XIV begins rockstar visit to France, meets abuse survivors
Pope Leo XIV started a four-day apostolic journey to France on September 25, 2026, with events in Paris, Lourdes and Metz. The visit addresses clerical abuse, AI ethics and European unity amid deep divisions in French Catholicism.
Italy bans burqa and niqab in schools, caps foreign students per class
Italy's government approved a decree banning the burqa and niqab in schools while limiting classrooms to 30 percent foreign students with limited Italian. The measure took effect immediately on 25 September 2026 and must be ratified by parliament within 60 days.
Volkswagen and Audi recall 2.8 million cars over steering bolt defect
Volkswagen and Audi announced a global precautionary recall of 2.8 million vehicles due to a potentially defective steering bolt that could cause power steering failure. Models built between 2013 and 2024 are affected, and repairs will be free of charge.
Swedish and Finnish fighter jets intercept Russian military aircraft
Swedish and Finnish fighter jets conducted their first joint identification mission over the Gulf of Finland, tracking a Russian detachment that included MiG-31 interceptors and Su-30 fighters. The operation highlights heightened Baltic security tensions.
Also Notable
Energy
Strait of Hormuz closure triggers worst energy shock since 1973
The February 2026 Strait of Hormuz closure removed nearly 20% of global oil supplies, sending Brent crude from $61 to $138 per barrel. The crisis is permanently restructuring global trade routes and accelerating supply chain nearshoring.
Geopolitics
BRICS de-dollarization surge reshapes global financial order
The US dollar's share of allocated foreign exchange reserves fell to 56.77% in Q4 2025, while BRICS Pay, mBridge and a gold-backed Unit gain traction. Analysts see fragmentation toward a multipolar currency system rather than a dollar collapse.
China tightens critical mineral export controls, prices spike 600%
China's licensing regime on rare earths, tungsten and antimony has caused price spikes of up to 600% outside China while preserving domestic pricing power. The extraterritorial rules set to take effect in November 2026 create a 12-18 month vulnerability window.
Trade war
EU carbon border tax enters definitive phase, triggering WTO disputes
The EU's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism became financially binding on 1 January 2026, with certificates priced around €75 per tonne of CO₂. Importers face phased liability and new compliance deadlines, while Russia, China, India and Brazil challenge the measure at the WTO.
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