What are the most important events and topics in the news today?
Here's a roundup of the most significant news stories as of today, September 17, 2026:
U.S. Politics & the Iran War
The biggest ongoing story in Washington is the continuing conflict over the Iran war. For a third time, the U.S. House has voted to end the war in Iran, approving a war powers resolution that would halt President Donald Trump's ability to continue military action without congressional approval. The roll call late Tuesday, 220-204, was similar to earlier efforts this summer, with a few more Republicans joining all Democrats voting to bring an end to the conflict. However, none of the resolutions have made it to the president's desk, where Trump would almost certainly veto the measure.
Adding to the drama, Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., read articles of impeachment against Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, asserting that he had illegally continued to prosecute the war past the 60-day maximum for a conflict without authorization from Congress — though Massie's motion was tabled and did not move forward.
Kennedy Center Closure
In a related political flashpoint, the Trump-aligned Kennedy Center board voted Tuesday to close most of the iconic performing arts venue just hours after a federal judge blocked the institution from returning Trump's name to the building.
2026 Midterm Campaigning
Trump is actively campaigning ahead of the midterms — he was set to travel to North Carolina to rally with Republican Senate nominee Michael Whatley as the former national party chairman tries to shore up his campaign against a Democratic former governor.
Charlie Kirk Case
A significant legal development emerged in the Charlie Kirk assassination case: the prospective plaintiffs in the filing are Kirk's widow, Erika Kirk, and their two juvenile children, and it also acknowledges potential claims from his parents, Robert and Kathryn. In addition to the wrongful death claim, it also raises a claim of "state-created danger" under the U.S. Constitution.
Global Events
Several notable international stories are developing:
AI Concerns
On the tech front, stark warnings from AI leaders have fueled new calls to rein in the rapidly advancing industry.
Sports
At the ongoing Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan, South Korea's men's basketball team continues its run — the men's basketball national team defeated Jordan in the quarterfinals to advance to the semifinals, where they will face Middle Eastern powerhouse Iran for a spot in the finals.
If you're interested in more depth on any of these — the Iran war, U.S. domestic politics, or a specific region — let me know and I can dig deeper.
Citations (18)
- House votes for a third time to end the Iran war as conflict drags on
Source excerpt: “(AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais) WASHINGTON – For a third time, the U.S. House has voted to end the war in Iran, approving a war powers resolution ...”
- House votes for a third time to end the Iran war as conflict drags on
Source excerpt: “The roll call late Tuesday, 220-204, was similar to earlier efforts this summer, with a few more Republicans joining all Democrats voting to bring an ...”
- House votes for a third time to end the Iran war as conflict drags on
Source excerpt: “None of the resolutions have made it to the president's desk, where Trump would almost certainly veto the measure. ”
- U.S. House votes to end Iran war for third time | Just The News
Source excerpt: “Earlier in the day, Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., read articles of impeachment against Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, asserting that he had illegally con...”
- U.S. House votes to end Iran war for third time | Just The News
Source excerpt: “Massie's motion was tabled and did not move forward. ”
- The Latest: House votes for a third time to end the Iran war as conflict drags on
Source excerpt: “The Trump-aligned Kennedy Center board voted Tuesday to close most of the iconic performing arts venue just hours after a federal judge blocked the in...”
- The Latest: House votes for a third time to end the Iran war as conflict drags on
Source excerpt: “... And Trump will travel to North Carolina on Wednesday to rally with Republican Senate nominee Michael Whatley as the former national party chairm...”
- Charlie Kirk's family alleges UVU knew of rooftop security risk before his assassination: legal filing
Source excerpt: “(Trent Nelson/The Salt Lake Tribune/Getty Images) The prospective plaintiffs in the filing are Kirk's widow, Erika Kirk, and their two juvenile childr...”
- Charlie Kirk's family alleges UVU knew of rooftop security risk before his assassination: legal filing
Source excerpt: “In addition to the wrongful death claim, it also raises a claim of "state-created danger" under the U.S. Constitution. ”
- Portal:Current events/September 2026 - Wikipedia
Source excerpt: “The Tooro Kingdom in western Uganda selects Prince Edward Rukidi Kijanangoma, a television news anchor and editor, as its new monarch following the de...”
- Portal:Current events/September 2026 - Wikipedia
Source excerpt: “(Reuters) ... Five people are killed and 87 others are reported missing when a fire breaks out aboard a passenger ferry off Coron, Palawan, Philippine...”
- Portal:Current events/September 2026 - Wikipedia
Source excerpt: “(Reuters) ... At least 20 people are killed and five others are reported missing after a fire breaks out on a cargo ship in Qingdao, Shandong, China. ...”
- Portal:Current events/September 2026 - Wikipedia
Source excerpt: “(TVP World) (X The International Monetary Fund reports that the global growth of the global economy is on track to reach 3% in 2026 despite the war i...”
- Portal:Current events/September 2026 - Wikipedia
Source excerpt: “Seven more children die from suspected measles in Bangladesh in the past 24 hours, bringing the total number of deaths in the country to 1,009. ”
- Portal:Current events/September 2026 - Wikipedia
Source excerpt: “(The Business Standard) Health minister Sardar Md. Sakhawat Husain announces that Bangladesh will resume nationwide vaccinations beginning on Septembe...”
- Portal:Current events/September 2026 - Wikipedia
Source excerpt: “(South Asian Herald) ... Algeria cuts diplomatic relations with the United Arab Emirates, without specifying a reason. ”
- The Latest | PBS News
Source excerpt: “September 14, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode · Monday on the News hour, stark warnings from AI leaders fuel new calls to rein in the rapidly advanc...”
- Morning Wide: Today's Major News (September 17, 2026)
Source excerpt: “Men's Basketball Team Defeats Jordan to Advance to Semifinals... To Face Iran Tomorrow The men's basketball national team defeated Jordan in the qua...”