EWS

New data shows the current El Niño is the strongest ever measured, driving a major shift in global weather patterns. The warming of Pacific Ocean surface waters is expected to bring droughts, floods and heatwaves to different regions worldwide. Scientists and news outlets are watching closely as the event intensifies, with forecasters warning of record temperatures and disruption to agriculture and weather systems into the coming months.

A survey-based report suggests that most health professionals believe key plant foods are underrepresented in official dietary guidelines. The findings point to a gap between what practitioners recommend or support and what national nutrition guidance emphasises, particularly regarding legumes, nuts, whole grains and other plant-based staples. Commenters in nutrition and plant-based communities are sharing the story and calling for updated advice.

The Army is rolling out a new fitness management system, but senior leaders are voicing concern about 'data fatigue' — the risk that soldiers and commanders will be overwhelmed by constant tracking and reporting requirements tied to the platform. The rollout reflects the Army's broader push to digitize how it monitors troop fitness, though officials acknowledge the system could burden soldiers with excessive data entry rather than streamline readiness.

Tropical Storm Hanna has formed in the Atlantic Ocean, according to local news reports. Forecasters say the storm is not expected to threaten any land areas at this time, so there are no warnings or watches in effect for coastal communities. Meteorologists continue to track the system's movement and strength, and residents are being urged to monitor official updates as the Atlantic hurricane season progresses.

California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed a bill requiring the state to identify and track the use of pesticides containing PFAS, the so-called forever chemicals linked to health and environmental concerns. The measure gives regulators new visibility into how widely these substances are applied in agriculture, adding California to the growing list of states taking action against PFAS contamination.

An SUV was found in the ocean at a beach in Falmouth, Massachusetts, according to Boston-area news reports. Details about how the vehicle ended up in the water, whether anyone was inside, and the circumstances of the discovery have not yet been made clear.

A nor'easter that swept through New York City has weakened, with the National Weather Service reporting only minor coastal flooding across the area. The storm brought rain and wind but fell short of the more severe impacts forecasters had warned about, and conditions are drying out as the system moves away from the region.

Quest is advising customers whose passport details were exposed in a data security breach to replace their passports. The company has contacted affected customers directly, and the recommendation has raised concerns about the scale of personal data compromised in the incident. It follows a wider string of major data breaches affecting Australian companies.

Industry coverage highlights how the AI chip boom is reshaping the semiconductor sector, accelerating transformation across chipmakers and pushing up demand for specialised materials used in advanced fabrication. Analysts note that surging investment in AI hardware is changing supply chains and creating new opportunities for materials suppliers. Observers are weighing how sustainable this demand growth will be as AI development continues at pace.

DigiTimes Asia reports that China's artificial intelligence industry is moving beyond playing catch-up with Western rivals and entering a commercialization phase. The shift is tied to domestic semiconductor progress, including DRAM maker CXMT and advances in hardware packaging, suggesting Chinese firms are beginning to monetize AI at scale. Observers are watching whether domestic supply chains can sustain the momentum.

A Westwood rigs round-up reports that the market for harsh-environment semisubmersible drilling rigs is close to being fully contracted. The report suggests demand for rigs capable of operating in tough North Sea-style conditions is outstripping available supply, leaving operators with few open units to charter as energy companies press ahead with offshore drilling plans.

Financial technology firm Finastra has reached a $3.13 million settlement in a lawsuit over a data breach, agreeing to compensate affected customers. The deal, subject to court approval, resolves claims tied to the company's handling of sensitive customer data. Privacy advocates are citing the case as another example of mounting legal and financial consequences for financial firms that suffer security failures.

DW News examines whether India's growing crop of space startups can transform the country into a leading space power. The report highlights how private companies are building on the achievements of the Indian Space Research Organisation, which has drawn global attention for low-cost missions such as Chandrayaan-3 and Aditya-L1. It looks at whether entrepreneurial firms can scale satellite launches, services and innovation fast enough to rival established players like the US, China and Europe.

CNN is using data analytics and artificial intelligence across its news media operations, according to a Forbes report. The piece examines how the network applies these technologies to its business, from audience understanding to newsroom workflows. The discussion comes as news organizations worldwide weigh the opportunities and risks of adopting AI in journalism and media strategy.

Reports indicate that central government employees in India will receive their salaries early this month, by September 25. The update is being widely shared among employees eager for confirmation of the payment date, with the news circulating under breaking-news coverage. No official notification detail is available beyond the claim that salaries will arrive ahead of the usual end-of-month schedule.

A Global News report examines how rent increases requested by landlords in Nova Scotia topped those in other Canadian provinces, despite the province having rent cap rules in place. The findings point to mounting affordability pressure in a market that has seen rapid rent growth as population inflows outpace housing supply.