Want to Work on Real NASA Projects? Here Is How the Internships Work.

NASA's paid OSTEM internships put students on real agency projects with NASA mentors. Applicants must be US citizens aged 16 or over with at least a 3.0 GPA. The spring 2027 window closed on 14 September 2026; summer 2027 applications are due 26 February 2027 and fall 2027 by 21 May 2027.

By the UISC BD Editorial Desk · United Information Service Center · Published 13 September 2026 · 4-minute read

Searches for "NASA spring 2027 OSTEM internships" rose sharply on Google this month as the application deadline approached. With the spring window closing, now is the time to prepare for summer and fall 2027.

What OSTEM Internships Are

NASA's Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) offers paid, short-term internships in which students work on real NASA projects, building technical and professional skills alongside NASA mentors.

Who Can Apply

• US citizens.
• At least 16 years old.
• Enrolled in an eligible programme at a US-accredited institution.
• A minimum 3.0 GPA (on a 4.0 scale).

Key Deadlines

• Spring 2027: closed at 11:59 p.m. ET on 14 September 2026.
• Summer 2027: 26 February 2027, 11:59 p.m. ET.
• Fall 2027: 21 May 2027, 11:59 p.m. ET.

Summer is traditionally the most competitive session, so starting an application early helps.

How to Stand Out

1. Apply through NASA's official portal and read each opportunity description carefully.
2. Match your application to the project. Explain specifically how your courses, projects or skills fit what the mentor needs.
3. Show hands-on work. Robotics clubs, coding projects, research, rocketry teams and science fairs all demonstrate initiative.
4. Get your references lined up early so they have time to write thoughtful recommendations.
5. Don't assume it's only for engineers. NASA also needs skills in communications, business, IT and more.
6. Proofread everything. Clear, careful writing matters.

Not a US Citizen?

OSTEM internships are limited to US citizens, but space agencies and research organisations in many countries run their own student and graduate programmes. It is worth checking your national space agency and universities with space research groups.

Why It Is a Good Time to Get Involved

NASA has just launched its Roman Space Telescope and is readying the rocket for Artemis III. The skills behind missions like these are also in demand across the wider economy — see the fastest-growing jobs of 2026.

Related reading

• NASA's Roman Space Telescope Is on Its Way: What It Will Look For
• Artemis III's Moon Rocket Gets Its Four Engines
• Night Sky September 2026: Venus at Its Brightest, the Equinox and the Harvest Moon
• Ig Nobel Prizes 2026: Smelly Teenagers, Cockroach Milk and Splash-Free Urinals

Sources

• "NASA internship programs," NASA — nasa.gov
• "NASA Spring 2027 OSTEM internships: apply before September 14, 2026," Opportunities for Youth — opportunitiesforyouth.org
• "NASA internship 2027–2028: deadlines and how to apply," Extern — extern.com
• "NASA internships 2027: OSTEM, Pathways, deadlines and eligibility," OpportunityNest — opportunitynest.org

AI Engineer Is the Fastest-Growing Job Title. You Don't Need a PhD to Start.

AI engineer is LinkedIn's fastest-growing job title in the US, with postings up 143% year on year, and four of the top five rising roles involve AI. The skills employers want, the roles growing fastest and practical ways to start building them.

By the UISC BD Editorial Desk · United Information Service Center · Published 13 September 2026 · 5-minute read

What the Data Shows

• AI engineer ranked as the number one fastest-growing job title in the United States in LinkedIn's Jobs on the Rise research, with postings up 143 percent year on year in 2025.
• Four of the top five fastest-growing roles are AI-related.
• One analysis found AI and machine-learning job postings rose 163 percent from 2024 to 2025, reaching about 49,200 positions in the US.

The Four Fastest-Growing AI Roles

AI engineers — also called machine learning engineers — design and build AI systems for prediction and problem-solving.

AI consultants and strategists help organisations plan and deploy AI to improve how they work.

AI and machine learning researchers design, test and refine models to advance what they can do.

Data annotators label and review the data used to train AI — often an accessible entry point into the field.

The Skills Growing Fastest

LinkedIn identifies AI engineering, prompting and model tuning as the fastest-growing skills of 2026. For AI engineering roles, frequently requested technical skills include PyTorch, LangChain and retrieval-augmented generation (RAG).

The Global Picture

The World Economic Forum's Future of Jobs Report 2025 named big data specialists, fintech engineers and AI and machine learning specialists as the three fastest-growing job categories worldwide for 2025 to 2030.

How to Start Building These Skills

1. Get fluent with AI tools at your current job. Using AI well is valued far beyond technical roles — start with how to write effective prompts.
2. Learn the core concepts. Understand what AI agents are and how AI pricing and tokens work.
3. Build small, real projects and share them — a working project often speaks louder than a certificate.
4. Pair AI with your existing expertise. An accountant, nurse or marketer who understands AI brings context a pure technologist may lack.
5. Learn to check AI output. Employers value people who can spot errors — see why AI makes things up.

Keep Perspective

Fast growth in postings starts from a smaller base than long-established professions, and competition for top roles is strong. But the direction is clear: AI skills are becoming valuable across nearly every industry, not only in technology companies.

For the models and tools shaping the field this month, see our September 2026 AI model guide.

Related reading

• How to Turn Off Google AI Overviews: What Actually Works in 2026
• iPhone Duo: Price, Specs and Release Date of Apple's First Foldable
• Galaxy Z Fold 8 vs iPhone Duo: How the Two Big Foldables Compare
• AirPods 5: Price, Noise Cancellation and Release Date

Sources

• "AI-related jobs top LinkedIn's fastest-growing roles list for 2026," Dice — dice.com
• "LinkedIn: AI engineering, prompting and model tuning are the fastest-growing skills in 2026," Interview Query — interviewquery.com
• "AI roles lead LinkedIn's fastest-growing jobs in 2026," Outlook Business — outlookbusiness.com
• "Fastest growing AI roles in 2026: data and rankings," HeroHunt — herohunt.ai
• "The Future of Jobs Report 2025," World Economic Forum — weforum.org

More People Than Ever Are Visiting Japan — and the Taxes Are Rising to Match

Japan welcomed a record 42.7 million foreign visitors in 2025 and more than 10 million in the first quarter of 2026 for the first time. Its departure tax rose from ¥1,000 to ¥3,000 in July 2026, and Kyoto's lodging tax now reaches up to ¥10,000 a night. What travellers need to know.

By the UISC BD Editorial Desk · United Information Service Center · Published 13 September 2026 · 4-minute read

"Japan travel" remains one of the most-searched travel destinations on Google. The numbers show why — and explain the new costs visitors now face.

Record Visitor Numbers

• 2025: a record 42.7 million international visitors, up 15.8 percent on 2024's previous high of 36.9 million.
• January–March 2026: 10,683,500 arrivals, up 1.4 percent — the first time the first quarter has exceeded 10 million.

The New Costs

Departure tax tripled. From July 2026, the international tourist tax paid when leaving Japan rose from ¥1,000 to ¥3,000 per person. It applies to departures by air and sea and is automatically included in airline and cruise ticket prices.

Kyoto's lodging tax. Since March 2026, Kyoto's accommodation tax can reach as much as ¥10,000 per night at the top price bands.

Visa fees. For travellers who need a visa, fees rose roughly fivefold in 2026.

Why Japan Is Raising Them

The government's aims are to fund tourism management and infrastructure strained by record visitor numbers, and to help moderate crowding at the busiest places and seasons.

How to Plan a Smarter Trip

• Budget for taxes. The departure tax is in your ticket, but lodging taxes are often added at the hotel.
• Travel off-peak where you can — crowds and prices are lower outside major holidays and peak seasons.
• Look beyond the famous names. Many regions outside Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka offer rich culture with fewer crowds.
• Check visa rules for your nationality well before booking.
• Plan your payments — see travel money cards explained.
• Consider insurance — see what travel insurance costs.

A Balance Worth Watching

Japan's approach — welcoming visitors while charging them more to protect popular places — is being watched by other destinations facing overtourism. For Europe's new entry step, see our ETIAS guide.

Related reading

• How Much Does Travel Insurance Cost in 2026? Averages and What You Get
• ETIAS Explained: Europe's New €20 Travel Authorisation Arriving in Late 2026
• Travel Money Cards Explained: Multi-Currency Cards vs Credit Cards vs Cash
• Car Insurance Costs in 2026: Rates Rise in 32 States After Last Year's Drop

Sources

• "Japan tourism record 2026: arrivals, weak yen, new taxes," Travel Market News — travelmarketnews.com
• "Japan departure tax 2026: now ¥3,000 — who pays and how it's collected," Self Guide Japan — selfguidejapan.com
• "Travelling to Japan soon? New tourist taxes and hotel levies are coming in 2026," Outlook Traveller — outlooktraveller.com
• "Japan tourist taxes 2026: departure tax, Kyoto hotel tax," Plan Japan Smart — planjapansmart.com

Visiting Europe Soon? A New Pre-Travel Check Is About to Start

The EU's ETIAS travel authorisation is due to begin operating in the last quarter of 2026 for visitors from visa-exempt countries. It costs €20, applicants under 18 or over 70 pay nothing, and a grace period is expected before it becomes mandatory. What travellers need to know.

By the UISC BD Editorial Desk · United Information Service Center · Published 13 September 2026 · 4-minute read

This article is general travel information. Always confirm current requirements on the official EU website before you travel.

"Travel visa" is among the top travel searches on Google, and one change affects millions of people who currently visit Europe without a visa.

What ETIAS Is

The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) is an online pre-travel authorisation for people from countries that do not need a visa to visit participating European countries for short stays. It is not a visa: it is a quick online check linked to your passport before you travel.

When It Starts

• ETIAS is expected to begin operating in the fourth quarter of 2026 (October to December).
• The EU has committed to giving at least six months' notice of the exact start date.
• A transitional grace period is expected after launch, with ETIAS reported to become mandatory for boarding and entry around April 2027.

What It Costs

• €20 per application — revised up from an earlier estimate of €7.
• Applicants under 18 or over 70 pay no fee.

How to Apply When It Opens

1. Use only the official EU website or app.
2. Have your passport ready — the authorisation is linked to it.
3. Answer the questions accurately; mistakes can cause delays.
4. Apply well before you travel, in case extra checks are needed.

Beware of Unofficial Sites

Travel authorisation schemes attract websites that look official and charge large "service fees" for simply filling in the same form. Check the web address carefully and never pay more than the official fee.

Practical Tips

• Check your passport's expiry date. A new passport generally means a new authorisation.
• Watch airline communications as the start date approaches.
• Keep travel insurance in mind — see what it costs in 2026.
• Plan how you will pay abroad — see travel money cards explained.

Travelling further afield? Japan has introduced new tourist taxes — see our Japan travel update.

Related reading

• Travel Money Cards Explained: Multi-Currency Cards vs Credit Cards vs Cash
• How Much Does Travel Insurance Cost in 2026? Averages and What You Get
• Japan Tourism Hits Records as Departure Tax Triples to ¥3,000
• MiCA Deadline Passed: About 80% of EU Crypto Firms Did Not Get a Licence

Sources

• "ETIAS," European Union official travel website — travel-europe.europa.eu
• "ETIAS launch date: latest updates and timeline (2026)," Schengen Traveler — schengentraveler.com
• "ETIAS 2026: Q4 launch confirmed, €20 fee, grace period," Travel Tourister — traveltourister.com
• "ETIAS 2026: current status and what it means for your trip," Onward Itinerary — onwarditinerary.com

Europe's Giants Open the Champions League With a Flood of Goals

The 2026–27 Champions League league phase opened on 8–10 September with Barcelona beating Feyenoord 5–1, Paris Saint-Germain thrashing Slovan Bratislava 6–1 and Bayern Munich winning 5–0 against Bodø/Glimt. Every result and how the format works.

By the UISC BD Editorial Desk · United Information Service Center · Published 13 September 2026 · 4-minute read

Searches for results such as "Manchester United – Sabah" and "Paris Saint-Germain – Slovan Bratislava" climbed sharply on Google this week as Europe's top club competition returned.

Tuesday 8 September

• AEK Athens 1–0 LASK
• Club Brugge 2–3 Aston Villa
• Borussia Dortmund 3–2 Villarreal
• Porto 0–2 Manchester City
• Lille 2–3 Real Betis
• Real Madrid 2–1 Inter

Wednesday 9 September

• Barcelona 5–1 Feyenoord
• Stuttgart 3–1 Viking
• Liverpool 2–1 Atlético de Madrid
• Paris Saint-Germain 6–1 Slovan Bratislava
• Sporting CP 3–1 Galatasaray
• Napoli 0–1 Arsenal

Thursday 10 September

• Fenerbahçe 1–1 Roma
• PSV Eindhoven 1–1 Shakhtar Donetsk
• Como 4–1 RB Leipzig
• Bayern München 5–0 Bodø/Glimt
• Manchester United 4–0 Sabah
• Slavia Praha 2–3 Lens

Standout Performances

Paris Saint-Germain scored the most, with six against Slovan Bratislava. Barcelona and Bayern each hit five, and Manchester United marked their return with a 4–0 win.

Como made a striking impression with a 4–1 win over RB Leipzig, while Real Madrid and Liverpool edged heavyweight opponents 2–1. Arsenal won a tight contest away at Napoli.

How the Format Works

• 36 clubs compete in a single league table.
• Each club plays eight matches — four at home and four away — against different opponents.
• The top eight qualify directly for the round of 16.
• Clubs finishing ninth to 24th enter a knockout play-off round for the remaining places.
• Clubs finishing 25th to 36th are eliminated from European competition.

With only eight games, every result matters — a strong opening night can make a real difference by January.

Why Big Wins Can Count Later

Because every club plays a different set of opponents, the single league table is often separated by fine margins. Goal difference is one of the tiebreakers, so emphatic results like Paris Saint-Germain's six goals or Bayern's clean-sheet 5–0 can prove valuable when places in the top eight are decided.

More sport: Antonelli's historic Monza win, Rybakina's US Open title and the NFL in Melbourne.

Related reading

• Elena Rybakina Wins the 2026 US Open, Ending Sabalenka's Title Run
• Kimi Antonelli Wins the Italian Grand Prix, Monza's First Italian Winner Since 1966
• Emmys 2026: Date, Host, How to Watch and the Nomination Leaders
• Creative Arts Emmys 2026: Widow's Bay Wins Eight, Bad Bunny's Halftime Show Seven

Sources

• "2026/27 Champions League: all the league phase fixtures and results," UEFA — uefa.com
• "2026/27 Champions League: teams, dates, draws, format, final," UEFA — uefa.com
• "2026–27 UEFA Champions League," Wikipedia — en.wikipedia.org

An Italian Wins at Monza Again — for the First Time in 60 Years

Mercedes driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli rose from the back of the grid to win the 2026 Italian Grand Prix at Monza, passing team-mate George Russell in the closing laps, with Max Verstappen third. He is the first Italian to win at Monza since 1966.

By the UISC BD Editorial Desk · United Information Service Center · Published 13 September 2026 · 4-minute read

The Result

• Winner: Andrea Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes).
• Second: George Russell (Mercedes).
• Third: Max Verstappen.

The final classification was confirmed after late penalties were applied following the race.

A Comeback From the Back

Antonelli started from the rear of the grid. At a circuit known for high speeds and long straights, he worked his way through the field and then passed his own team-mate, George Russell, in the closing laps to take the lead and the win. Formula 1's official race report called it a "stunning comeback drive".

Sixty Years of Waiting

Antonelli is the first Italian driver to win at Monza since 1966, when Ludovico Scarfiotti won for Ferrari. For the crowds at the "Temple of Speed", a home winner was a moment many had never seen in their lifetimes.

Why It Matters

For Antonelli, a win from the back at his home race is the kind of performance that defines a young driver's reputation. The Bologna-born driver joined Mercedes' Formula 1 line-up in 2025 as one of the youngest drivers on the grid.

For Mercedes, a one-two finish is a strong statement about the team's pace.

For Italian motorsport, it ends a six-decade wait and gives a new generation of fans a home hero.

About Monza

The Autodromo Nazionale Monza, near Milan, opened in 1922 and is one of the oldest circuits in Formula 1 and has hosted the Italian Grand Prix in almost every season of the championship. Its passionate crowds and high speeds make it one of the most famous races of the year.

More sport: Rybakina wins the US Open, the NFL's first game in Australia and Champions League matchday one.

Related reading

• Elena Rybakina Wins the 2026 US Open, Ending Sabalenka's Title Run
• Creative Arts Emmys 2026: Widow's Bay Wins Eight, Bad Bunny's Halftime Show Seven
• Champions League 2026–27 Matchday One: Every Result as Barcelona, PSG and Bayern Romp
• Emmys 2026: Date, Host, How to Watch and the Nomination Leaders

Sources

• "Kimi Antonelli beats George Russell to Italian GP win with stunning comeback drive," Formula 1 — formula1.com
• "Italian GP: Kimi Antonelli sensationally wins thrilling Monza race from George Russell and Max Verstappen," Sky Sports — skysports.com
• "Kimi Antonelli wins Italian Grand Prix, first Italian to win in Monza since 1966," ESPN — espn.com
• "F1 Italian Grand Prix 2026 results: final classification after late penalties applied at Monza," GPFans — gpfans.com

American Football Comes to the MCG, and 100,021 People Turn Up

The San Francisco 49ers beat the Los Angeles Rams 27–7 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in the NFL's first regular-season game in Australia, in front of 100,021 fans — the seventh-largest regular-season crowd in NFL history. Brock Purdy threw three touchdowns.

By the UISC BD Editorial Desk · United Information Service Center · Published 13 September 2026 · 4-minute read

"Rams travel to Australia" was one of the rising travel searches on Google this week — and for good reason. The NFL has now played a game that counts in the standings on Australian soil.

The Result

• Final score: San Francisco 49ers 27, Los Angeles Rams 7.
• Venue: Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).
• Kick-off: about 10:35 a.m. on Friday 11 September, Melbourne time.
• Crowd: 100,021 — the seventh-most attended regular-season game in NFL history.

How the Game Went

Brock Purdy led the 49ers with three touchdowns, supported by a strong defensive performance.

For the Rams, quarterback Matthew Stafford completed 15 of 25 passes for 155 yards with one interception. The Rams had arrived just 28 hours before kick-off after what was described as the longest road trip in NFL history.

A Historic Occasion

The Rams were named in 2025 as the designated team for the first NFL regular-season game in Melbourne, with the 49ers later confirmed as opponents.

The match was one of an NFL-record nine international games in 2026, played across four continents, seven countries and eight stadiums.

About the MCG

The Melbourne Cricket Ground is one of the world's largest stadiums, holding around 100,000 people. It is the home of the AFL Grand Final and the Boxing Day cricket Test, and served as the main stadium for the 1956 Olympic Games — a fitting venue for a sporting first.

Why It Matters

For the NFL, a sell-out crowd at one of the world's great stadiums shows the league's global growth strategy working.

For Melbourne, the event adds another global sporting fixture to a city that already hosts the Australian Open, the Formula 1 season opener and the AFL Grand Final.

For fans, it brought a sport usually watched overnight on television into a local stadium.

More sport: Rybakina's US Open title, Antonelli's historic Monza win and Champions League matchday one.

Related reading

• TIFF 2026: The Toronto Film Festival's Biggest Premieres and What to Watch
• Emmys 2026: Date, Host, How to Watch and the Nomination Leaders
• Creative Arts Emmys 2026: Widow's Bay Wins Eight, Bad Bunny's Halftime Show Seven
• Venice Film Festival 2026 Winners: 'Woman Unknown' Takes the Golden Lion

Sources

• "Touchdown Down Under for historic NFL match," Melbourne Cricket Ground — mcg.org.au
• "49ers-Rams season opener draws historic crowd in Australia," Newsweek — newsweek.com
• "Melbourne to host first-ever NFL regular season game in Australia in 2026; Rams designated team," NFL.com — nfl.com
• "Los Angeles Rams v San Francisco 49ers," Melbourne Cricket Ground — mcg.org.au

Rybakina Stops Sabalenka's Three-Peat to Claim the US Open

Elena Rybakina beat two-time defending champion Aryna Sabalenka 6–4, 5–7, 6–2 to win the 2026 US Open women's singles title in New York — her third Grand Slam title and 14th WTA title. How the final unfolded and what the win means.

By the UISC BD Editorial Desk · United Information Service Center · Published 13 September 2026 · 3-minute read

The Result

• Champion: Elena Rybakina.
• Runner-up: Aryna Sabalenka, the two-time defending champion.
• Score: 6–4, 5–7, 6–2.
• Milestones: Rybakina's third major title and 14th career WTA Tour title.

How the Final Unfolded

Rybakina took the first set 6–4. Sabalenka, chasing a third straight US Open title, fought back to win the second set 7–5 and force a decider. Rybakina then pulled clear in the third, taking it 6–2 to close out the championship.

Why It Matters

A stopped three-peat. Sabalenka arrived in New York as the champion of the last two editions. Beating the defending champion in a final is one of the hardest tasks in tennis.

A statement of consistency. A third Grand Slam title places Rybakina firmly among the leading players of her generation.

An unexpected run. ESPN described the title as "against the odds", making the victory all the more memorable for her supporters.

About the US Open

The US Open is the last of tennis's four Grand Slam tournaments each season. It is played on hard courts at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows, New York, with the finals staged in Arthur Ashe Stadium — the largest tennis stadium in the world. Winning there requires seven matches over two weeks against the best players in the sport.

A Great Final for the Sport

A three-set final between two of the most powerful hitters in women's tennis delivered exactly what fans hope for from a Grand Slam decider — and it reflects the depth at the top of the women's game.

The Men's Final

The men's singles final between Alexander Zverev and Ben Shelton was scheduled for Sunday 13 September at Arthur Ashe Stadium, with a first-time men's major champion guaranteed.

More sport this week: the NFL's historic first game in Australia, Kimi Antonelli's Monza victory and Champions League matchday one.

Related reading

• Kimi Antonelli Wins the Italian Grand Prix, Monza's First Italian Winner Since 1966
• Creative Arts Emmys 2026: Widow's Bay Wins Eight, Bad Bunny's Halftime Show Seven
• Champions League 2026–27 Matchday One: Every Result as Barcelona, PSG and Bayern Romp
• Emmys 2026: Date, Host, How to Watch and the Nomination Leaders

Sources

• "2026 US Open — women's singles," Wikipedia — en.wikipedia.org
• "Against the odds: Elena Rybakina's unexpected US Open title," ESPN — espn.com
• "US Open 2026: Elena Rybakina dethrones Aryna Sabalenka in thrilling final," Deccan Herald — deccanherald.com
• "Alexander Zverev vs Ben Shelton: US Open men's singles final — all to know," Al Jazeera — aljazeera.com

Toronto's Film Festival Opens With a Story About Disability Rights

The 51st Toronto International Film Festival runs from 10 to 20 September 2026 with 293 feature films. It opened with the disability rights drama Being Heumann and includes Jodie Comer's Stuffed, a Megan Rapinoe documentary and new films directed by Jesse Eisenberg, Chris Rock and Courteney Cox.

By the UISC BD Editorial Desk · United Information Service Center · Published 13 September 2026 · 4-minute read

The Festival at a Glance

• Edition: the 51st Toronto International Film Festival.
• Dates: 10–20 September 2026.
• Programme: 293 feature films and 45 shorts.

Opening and Closing Films

Opening: Being Heumann, directed by Siân Heder, stars Ruth Madeley as disability rights activist Judith Heumann — an inspiring choice to launch the festival.

Closing: Villeneuve: The Rise of a Legend, directed by Yan Lanouette Turgeon.

Premieres Getting Attention

• Stuffed — a musical horror film starring Jodie Comer and Harry Melling.
• Rapinoe — Rebeca Huntt's documentary about football star Megan Rapinoe.
• The Last Photograph — a world premiere from Zack Snyder.

Actors Behind the Camera

An unusual number of actors are presenting films as directors this year, including:

• Jesse Eisenberg — The Debut
• Chris Rock — Misty Green
• Tim Blake Nelson — The Life and Deaths of Wilson Shedd
• Courteney Cox — Evil Genius
• Rebel Wilson — Girl Group

Documentaries

TIFF Docs 2026 features 21 titles from 20 countries, including 18 world premieres.

If You Can't Be in Toronto

• Note the titles that interest you. Many festival films reach cinemas or streaming services in the months that follow.
• Follow the People's Choice Award at the end of the festival to see which films audiences loved most.
• Look beyond the famous names. Documentaries and international films often find wider audiences after strong festival screenings.
• Read reviews from several critics — festival reactions can be enthusiastic in the moment and shift once films are released.

Why Toronto Matters

TIFF is one of the world's largest public film festivals, where audiences — not just critics — see films first. Its audience-voted People's Choice Award, announced at the end of the festival, is closely watched as an early indicator of films that connect with viewers.

More from the festival season: Venice 2026 winners. On television: our Emmys preview.

Related reading

• Venice Film Festival 2026 Winners: 'Woman Unknown' Takes the Golden Lion
• Emmys 2026: Date, Host, How to Watch and the Nomination Leaders
• 49ers Beat Rams 27–7 as 100,021 Fans Pack the MCG for the NFL's First Game in Australia
• Creative Arts Emmys 2026: Widow's Bay Wins Eight, Bad Bunny's Halftime Show Seven

Sources

• "2026 Toronto Film Festival photos: opening ceremony, 'Being Heumann,' 'Rapinoe' and 'Stuffed' premieres," Deadline — deadline.com
• "Toronto International Film Festival 2026: full slate," Gold Derby — goldderby.com
• "The lowdown on the 2026 Toronto lineup," Screen Daily — screendaily.com
• "2026 Toronto International Film Festival," Wikipedia — en.wikipedia.org

A Danish Drama Wins Venice's Top Prize, With a Message About Women in Film

Danish director May el-Toukhy's Woman Unknown won the Golden Lion at the 2026 Venice Film Festival, John Malkovich was named best actor, and George Clooney received a Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement. The winners and why they matter for awards season.

By the UISC BD Editorial Desk · United Information Service Center · Published 13 September 2026 · 4-minute read

The Golden Lion: Woman Unknown

The festival's top prize for best film went to Woman Unknown, directed by May el-Toukhy of Denmark.

The drama follows a young housemaid whose intimate relationship with a German soldier during the Second World War threatens her future — a story about love, judgement and survival in occupied Europe.

A Speech That Echoed the Jury

In her acceptance speech, el-Toukhy spoke about the lack of female filmmakers. It was a theme raised on the festival's very first day by jury president Maggie Gyllenhaal, giving the win extra resonance.

Other Honours

• Best actor: John Malkovich.
• Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement: George Clooney, recognised by the Biennale for a career spanning acting, directing and producing.

The full list of winners is published by the festival and major trade outlets listed below.

Why Venice Matters

Venice is the world's oldest film festival and, alongside Toronto and Telluride, an important launchpad for films hoping to reach audiences and awards later in the season. A Golden Lion brings international attention and distribution interest, particularly valuable for European and independent films.

About the Festival

The Venice International Film Festival takes place each year on the Lido, the long island that faces the city across its lagoon. It is part of La Biennale di Venezia, the institution that also runs Venice's celebrated art and architecture exhibitions. Its top award, the Golden Lion, ranks among the most prestigious prizes in world cinema.

What a Win Can Mean

For an independent European drama like Woman Unknown, a major festival prize can open the door to international distribution, wider cinema releases and streaming interest — helping a film reach audiences who might otherwise never have heard of it.

The Festival Season Continues

The Toronto International Film Festival is under way now — see our TIFF 2026 guide. On television, the Emmys take place on 14 September.

Related reading

• TIFF 2026: The Toronto Film Festival's Biggest Premieres and What to Watch
• Emmys 2026: Date, Host, How to Watch and the Nomination Leaders
• Creative Arts Emmys 2026: Widow's Bay Wins Eight, Bad Bunny's Halftime Show Seven
• Elena Rybakina Wins the 2026 US Open, Ending Sabalenka's Title Run

Sources

• "Venice Film Festival winners: May El-Toukhy's 'Woman Unknown' scores Golden Lion, John Malkovich gets best actor," Variety — variety.com
• "'Woman Unknown' wins Golden Lion in Venice: full winners list," The Hollywood Reporter — hollywoodreporter.com
• "'Woman Unknown' wins Golden Lion at Venice Film Festival 2026," Screen Daily — screendaily.com
• "George Clooney Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement," La Biennale di Venezia — labiennale.org

102 Emmys Handed Out Before the Main Show — Here Are the Highlights

Apple TV's Widow's Bay led the 2026 Creative Arts Emmys with eight awards, the Super Bowl LX halftime show starring Bad Bunny won seven, and Antiques Roadshow won its first Emmy after 24 nominations. The highlights before Monday's main ceremony.

By the UISC BD Editorial Desk · United Information Service Center · Published 13 September 2026 · 4-minute read

Most Emmys are not handed out on the night everyone watches. The Creative Arts Emmys — honouring craft, guest performances, documentaries, reality and more — took place on 5 and 6 September 2026 at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, with 102 statuettes awarded.

The Big Winners

• Widow's Bay — 8 Emmys, the most of any programme.
• The Apple Music Super Bowl LX Halftime Show Starring Bad Bunny — 7 Emmys.
• DTF St. Louis — 6 Emmys.
• The Traitors — 6 Emmys.

Performers Honoured

• Betty Gilpin (Widow's Bay) — guest actress in a comedy.
• Shailene Woodley (Paradise) — guest actress in a drama.
• Ernest Harden Jr. (The Pitt) — guest actor in a drama.

Standout Moments

Mariska Hargitay's double. The main ceremony's host won two awards for My Mom Jayne — for documentary or nonfiction special and for directing.

Antiques Roadshow finally wins. After 24 nominations, the long-running programme won its first-ever Emmy, for structured reality programme.

A new award for a classic. The Television Academy presented its first-ever Legacy Award to I Love Lucy.

Why the Creative Arts Emmys Matter

These awards recognise the people who make television work — editors, costume designers, sound mixers, casting directors and documentary makers. Strong results here often signal which shows have broad support among Academy voters ahead of the main ceremony.

How Emmy Winners Are Chosen

Emmys are voted on by members of the Television Academy, the professional organisation for people who work in television. Members vote largely within their own professional groups — so a craft award is recognition from peers who do the same kind of work. That peer judgement is what gives a Creative Arts Emmy its weight in the industry.

Next Up

Widow's Bay enters Monday's main ceremony with momentum, while The Pitt leads the overall nominations. Everything you need for the night is in our Emmys 2026 preview.

More from awards season: Venice Film Festival winners and TIFF 2026 highlights.

Related reading

• Emmys 2026: Date, Host, How to Watch and the Nomination Leaders
• Venice Film Festival 2026 Winners: 'Woman Unknown' Takes the Golden Lion
• Elena Rybakina Wins the 2026 US Open, Ending Sabalenka's Title Run
• Kimi Antonelli Wins the Italian Grand Prix, Monza's First Italian Winner Since 1966

Sources

• "2026 Creative Arts Emmys: full winners list from both nights," Gold Derby — goldderby.com
• "2026 Creative Arts Emmys winners list, night two," The Hollywood Reporter — hollywoodreporter.com
• "Creative Arts Emmys 2026: full list of early winners," TVLine — tvline.com

Television's Biggest Night: Everything to Know Before the 2026 Emmys

The 78th Primetime Emmy Awards take place on Monday 14 September 2026 at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, hosted by Mariska Hargitay and broadcast live on NBC at 8pm ET. The Pitt leads with 25 nominations and Hacks set a comedy record with 24.

By the UISC BD Editorial Desk · United Information Service Center · Published 13 September 2026 · 4-minute read

When and Where

• Date: Monday 14 September 2026.
• Time: 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT, live coast to coast.
• Venue: Peacock Theater, downtown Los Angeles.
• Broadcaster: NBC.
• Host: Mariska Hargitay, who begins her 28th season on Law & Order: SVU this autumn.

The Nomination Leaders

• The Pitt — 25 nominations, the most of any programme, including outstanding drama series and lead actor in a drama for Noah Wyle.
• Hacks — 24 nominations for its final season, a record for a comedy in a single season.
• Widow's Bay (Apple TV) — 19.
• Pluribus (Apple TV) — 18.
• Beef (Netflix) — 16.

Storylines to Watch

A farewell for Hacks. A record-setting final season gives the comedy a strong chance to end its run with major wins.

Apple's first-year shows. Two debut series in the top four nominees signal how competitive streaming drama has become.

A strong start already for Widow's Bay. It led last week's Creative Arts Emmys with eight wins — see the full Creative Arts highlights.

A busy few weeks for the host. Hargitay won two Creative Arts Emmys for her documentary My Mom Jayne before taking the main stage.

Primetime vs Creative Arts: What Is the Difference?

The Television Academy spreads its awards across more than one ceremony. The Creative Arts Emmys, held the week before, honour craft and technical work, guest performances, documentaries and reality programming. The Primetime ceremony on Monday focuses on the headline awards most viewers follow — the top drama, comedy and limited series prizes and the lead and supporting acting categories.

Races to Watch

• Outstanding Drama Series, where nomination leader The Pitt is in contention.
• Outstanding Comedy Series, with Hacks bidding to end its run on a high.
• Lead Actor in a Drama Series, including Noah Wyle for The Pitt.
• Outstanding Limited or Anthology Series, another closely watched category.

How to Follow Along

• Watch live on NBC in the United States; check local broadcasters and streaming partners elsewhere.
• Follow official Television Academy channels for winners as they are announced.

Awards season is in full swing — see the Venice Film Festival winners and the highlights of this year's Toronto International Film Festival.

Related reading

• Creative Arts Emmys 2026: Widow's Bay Wins Eight, Bad Bunny's Halftime Show Seven
• TIFF 2026: The Toronto Film Festival's Biggest Premieres and What to Watch
• Venice Film Festival 2026 Winners: 'Woman Unknown' Takes the Golden Lion
• Elena Rybakina Wins the 2026 US Open, Ending Sabalenka's Title Run

Sources

• "78th Primetime Emmy Awards," Wikipedia — en.wikipedia.org
• "2026 Emmys: when is the ceremony, how to watch, what to know about nominees," ABC News — abcnews.com
• "2026 Emmy nominations full list," Deadline — deadline.com
• "2026 Emmy nominations: complete list of nominees," Rotten Tomatoes — rottentomatoes.com

The Battery Technology EV Makers Have Promised for Years Is Getting Its Rulebook

On 21 August 2026 China's market regulator announced that a proposal for the world's first international standard for solid-state electric vehicle batteries had been launched at the International Electrotechnical Commission. Why standards matter and where the technology stands.

By the UISC BD Editorial Desk · United Information Service Center · Published 13 September 2026 · 4-minute read

What Was Announced

On 21 August 2026, China's State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) said that an international standard proposal for solid-state batteries used to power electric vehicles had been successfully initiated at the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), the global body that sets standards for electrical technologies.

It is described as the first international standard in the solid-state battery field.

What a Solid-State Battery Is

Today's lithium-ion batteries move charge through a liquid electrolyte. A solid-state battery replaces that liquid with a solid material. Researchers and manufacturers are pursuing the technology because it promises batteries that could store more energy for their size and be less prone to overheating — though turning that promise into affordable mass production has proved difficult.

Why a Standard Matters

Common definitions. A standard clarifies what can legitimately be called a solid-state battery, cutting through marketing claims.

Safety testing. Agreed test methods let carmakers, regulators and buyers compare products fairly.

Faster adoption. Suppliers and manufacturers can design to one set of requirements instead of many, which helps technology move from pilot lines to factories.

Other Signs of Momentum

• Ronbay Technology's 10-tonne solid-state electrolyte project in Xiantao passed its environmental assessment, with an investment of RMB 50 million aimed at sulfide electrolyte production.
• SEVC Power, a solid-state battery company, announced on 26 August that it had completed external financing worth several hundred million yuan.

Key Terms, Simply Explained

• Electrolyte: the material that lets charged particles move between a battery's two electrodes.
• Solid electrolyte: a solid material — such as a ceramic, polymer or sulfide compound — used in place of a liquid.
• Sulfide electrolyte: one of the leading families of solid electrolyte materials being developed for electric vehicle batteries.
• Energy density: how much energy a battery stores for its weight or size — a major factor in how far an EV can travel on a charge.

Keeping Expectations Realistic

A standard proposal is the start of a process, not a finished rulebook; IEC standards typically take time to draft and agree. And most electric cars on the road for the next several years will still use conventional lithium-ion batteries, which continue to improve and fall in price.

The market these batteries will serve is growing fast — see global EV sales reaching 1.83 million in August and the renewable electricity that increasingly powers them.

Related reading

• Global EV Sales Reach 1.83 Million in August as Europe Surges 36%
• Renewables Overtook Coal Worldwide, and Wind and Solar Just Beat Gas
• Nelson Mandela University Installs 8,500 Solar Panels to Run on Nearly 80% Renewable Power
• Car Insurance Costs in 2026: Rates Rise in 32 States After Last Year's Drop

Sources

• "World's first solid-state battery international standard initiated," Shanghai Metals Market — news.metal.com
• "Three landmark events reshape solid-state battery landscape," Shanghai Metals Market — news.metal.com
• "Solid-state batteries 2026–2036: technology, forecasts, players," IDTechEx — idtechex.com

A South African University Is Turning Its Campuses Into Solar Power Stations

South Africa's Nelson Mandela University is installing a 4.4 MW solar system with more than 8,500 panels across its seven campuses. Combined with a renewable supply deal with Etana Energy from May 2027, nearly 80% of its electricity will come from renewable sources.

By the UISC BD Editorial Desk · United Information Service Center · Published 13 September 2026 · 4-minute read

"Nelson Mandela University solar panels" was one of the rising university-related searches on Google this week. The project is a practical example of how large institutions can cut costs and emissions together.

The Project

• Capacity: 4.4 megawatts of solar generation.
• Panels: more than 8,500 solar modules.
• Where: all seven campuses — six in Gqeberha and one in George.
• Share of power: 25 to 30 percent of the university's total electricity needs.
• Cost: R68 million.
• Expected savings: R8 to 10 million a year, against an annual electricity bill of about R60 million.

Timeline

• Mid-November 2025: construction began.
• Already generating: the Summerstrand North and Ocean Sciences campuses.
• End of November 2026: full completion expected.

Towards 80 Percent Renewable

The solar installation is half of the plan. The university has also partnered with independent power producer Etana Energy for renewable electricity delivered through the grid from May 2027, under a 10-year agreement. Together, on-site solar and Etana's supply are expected to provide nearly 80 percent of the university's electricity from renewable sources.

Less Diesel During Power Cuts

During electricity outages, the university has run diesel generators costing around R150,000 a day and burning about 6,000 litres of diesel daily. With solar in place, diesel use is expected to fall to just 10 to 20 percent of previous consumption.

Research as Well as Savings

Specialist testing company PVinsight is involved in the project, and in April 2026 the university became the 14th member of PV CAMPER, an international research collaboration led by the US Sandia National Laboratories that studies how solar panels perform in different climates.

Why It Matters

Universities are large, round-the-clock energy users, and their campuses offer plenty of roof and ground space. Projects like this one show how solar can provide cheaper, more reliable and cleaner power at the same time — a small part of the global shift in which renewables have now overtaken coal.

Related reading

• Renewables Overtook Coal Worldwide, and Wind and Solar Just Beat Gas
• Global EV Sales Reach 1.83 Million in August as Europe Surges 36%
• Solid-State Batteries Get Their First International Standard Proposal
• Morgan Stanley's Mike Wilson Warns of a Near-Term Correction but Stays Bullish

Sources

• "Solar PV boost for Nelson Mandela University," Nelson Mandela University News — news.mandela.ac.za
• "Top South African university says goodbye to Eskom with 8,500 solar panels," MyBroadband — mybroadband.co.za
• "Nelson Mandela University joins Sandia-led collaborative," Sandia LabNews — sandia.gov
• "Mandela University's renewable shift signals a new energy future for South Africa," EdNews Africa — ednews.africa

Two Historic Crossovers: Renewables Passed Coal, Then Wind and Solar Passed Gas

Renewables generated 34% of the world's electricity in 2025, overtaking coal for the first time in about a century, according to Ember. In April 2026, wind and solar produced 531 TWh, more than gas-fired power for the first time. The numbers behind the shift.

By the UISC BD Editorial Desk · United Information Service Center · Published 13 September 2026 · 5-minute read

For most of the modern era, coal was the world's biggest source of electricity. The data now shows that era ending.

Crossover One: Renewables Beat Coal in 2025

According to energy think tank Ember's Global Electricity Review 2026:

• Renewables — solar, wind, hydropower and others — produced 34 percent of global electricity in 2025, or 10,730 terawatt-hours.
• Coal's share was 33 percent.
• It is the first time in roughly 100 years that renewables have generated more than coal.

The Solar Surge

• The world added a record 647 gigawatts of solar capacity in 2025, up 11 percent from 582 GW in 2024.
• Solar alone met 75 percent of the growth in global electricity demand.
• Solar and wind together met 99 percent of demand growth.

In practical terms, almost all of the world's new electricity need in 2025 was covered by wind and sunlight.

Crossover Two: Wind and Solar Beat Gas in April 2026

The momentum continued into this year. In April 2026, wind and solar together generated a record 531 TWh — 54 TWh more than gas-fired power stations, which produced 477 TWh. Ember describes this as the first time wind and solar have out-generated gas worldwide in a month. Solar and wind are each expected to overtake nuclear generation during 2026.

Why It Is Happening

Cost. Solar panels and wind turbines have become some of the cheapest ways to build new generating capacity.

Speed. Solar farms can be built far faster than large conventional power stations.

Scale. Record manufacturing volumes keep pushing prices down.

What Still Needs to Happen

Crossovers are milestones, not the finish line. Grids need more storage, stronger transmission lines and flexible demand to use variable wind and solar power efficiently around the clock.

A Local Example

Institutions are making the switch too — South Africa's Nelson Mandela University is installing more than 8,500 solar panels across its campuses. Cleaner electricity also makes the world's fast-growing EV fleet cleaner to run.

Related reading

• Nelson Mandela University Installs 8,500 Solar Panels to Run on Nearly 80% Renewable Power
• Global EV Sales Reach 1.83 Million in August as Europe Surges 36%
• Solid-State Batteries Get Their First International Standard Proposal
• Tesla Robotaxi Passes 1 Million Unsupervised Miles: What It Means

Sources

• "Global Electricity Review 2026," Ember — ember-energy.org
• "For the first time, wind and solar generated more electricity than gas worldwide in April 2026," Ember — ember-energy.org
• "Renewable energy sets global record," The Pew Charitable Trusts — pew.org
• "Global solar generation met three-quarters of new power demand in 2025 — Ember," PV Tech — pv-tech.org

The World Bought 1.83 Million Electric Cars in August

Electric car sales worldwide reached 1.83 million in August 2026 and 13.4 million so far this year. Europe is up 36% and France hit a record 41% EV share in August, while North American sales fell 33% after US tax credits ended.

By the UISC BD Editorial Desk · United Information Service Center · Published 13 September 2026 · 4-minute read

The Headline Numbers

• August 2026: about 1.83 million electric vehicles sold worldwide.
• January–August 2026: 13.4 million.
• Europe: up 36 percent this year.
• China: still the largest market by far.
• North America: down 33 percent.

Europe's Record Month

France reached a record 41 percent electric vehicle share of new car sales in August. More affordable models, expanding charging networks and policy support have pushed adoption across much of the continent.

A Global Pattern of Records

The International Energy Agency reported that global EV sales jumped 35 percent in the second quarter of 2026, with around 50 countries setting sales records. Growth is no longer limited to a handful of wealthy markets.

Why North America Fell

US federal EV tax credits expired on 30 September 2025. Buyers rushed to purchase before the deadline — making September 2025 the strongest US EV month ever — and sales have been lower since. That makes year-on-year comparisons look particularly weak.

What It Means for Drivers

More choice. Global volumes encourage manufacturers to launch cheaper models.

Better charging. Growing fleets make charging networks more commercially viable.

Falling used prices. A larger supply of second-hand EVs is opening ownership to more buyers.

Thinking of Switching? Five Practical Checks

• Where you will charge. Home or workplace charging makes ownership far easier than relying only on public chargers.
• Your real driving distances. Plan around the journeys you actually make, including the occasional long trip.
• Total cost, not sticker price. Compare purchase price with energy, maintenance and insurance costs over several years.
• Local incentives. Grants, tax breaks and charging subsidies differ widely between countries and can change quickly — as US buyers found when federal credits ended.
• Battery health on used cars. Ask for a battery health report before buying a second-hand EV.

Driverless technology is advancing alongside electrification — see Tesla's million unsupervised robotaxi miles. The electricity to power these cars is also getting cleaner: renewables have overtaken coal worldwide. And better batteries are coming — solid-state batteries now have a first international standard proposal.

Related reading

• Renewables Overtook Coal Worldwide, and Wind and Solar Just Beat Gas
• Nelson Mandela University Installs 8,500 Solar Panels to Run on Nearly 80% Renewable Power
• Solid-State Batteries Get Their First International Standard Proposal
• Car Insurance Costs in 2026: Rates Rise in 32 States After Last Year's Drop

Sources

• "Global EV sales hit 1.83 million in August 2026," Electric Cars Report — electriccarsreport.com
• "IEA: global EV sales jump 35% in Q2 and 50 countries set records," Electrek — electrek.co
• "Global EV Outlook 2026 — executive summary," International Energy Agency — iea.org
• "EV sales hit record high, just not in U.S.," Kelley Blue Book — kbb.com

How to Pay Abroad Without Losing Money to Hidden Exchange Fees

Multi-currency travel cards such as Wise let you hold dozens of currencies and spend at the mid-market exchange rate for a small conversion fee. How they compare with credit cards, debit cards and cash, and the fees to check before your next trip.

By the UISC BD Editorial Desk · United Information Service Center · Published 13 September 2026 · 5-minute read

This article is general information, not financial advice, and does not recommend a particular provider. Fees differ by country and change over time.

"Wise travel money card" is among the rising travel searches on Google this week. The underlying question is simple: what is the cheapest, safest way to spend money in another country?

Where the Hidden Costs Are

The exchange-rate margin. Many banks and bureaux convert at a rate worse than the real market rate and keep the difference. It rarely appears as a "fee".

Foreign transaction fees. Some debit and credit cards add a percentage to every purchase made in a foreign currency.

ATM charges. Your card provider and the local ATM operator may both charge for withdrawals.

Dynamic currency conversion. Card terminals and ATMs abroad often offer to charge you in your home currency. This usually uses a poor exchange rate. Choosing to pay in the local currency is typically cheaper.

Option 1: Multi-Currency Travel Cards

These cards are linked to an account that can hold many currencies. Wise's card, for example:

• Converts at the mid-market exchange rate with a disclosed conversion fee, published in a range of about 0.41 to 1.75 percent depending on the currency.
• Lets you hold 40+ currencies.
• Works on the Visa network in more than 160 countries.
• Has no annual fee; free ATM withdrawals are capped monthly, with charges beyond the limit. Limits vary by country, so check your local terms.

Good for: frequent travellers, trips across several countries, and people who like to see exactly what they pay.

Option 2: Credit Cards

Strengths: strong fraud protection in many countries, and some cards charge no foreign transaction fees.

Watch out for: foreign transaction fees on cards that do charge them, and high interest or cash-advance fees on ATM withdrawals.

Option 3: Debit Cards From Your Bank

Convenient, but fees vary widely. Check your bank's foreign transaction and ATM charges before you go.

Option 4: Cash

Useful for small purchases and places that do not take cards, but airport and hotel exchange desks often offer poor rates, and lost cash is rarely recoverable. Carry a modest amount.

A Simple Plan for Most Trips

1. Carry two payment methods from different providers, in case one is blocked or lost.
2. Always pay in local currency when asked.
3. Withdraw larger amounts less often to limit per-withdrawal fees — but keep only what you need on you.
4. Turn on app alerts and know how to freeze a card instantly.
5. Tell your bank if it requires notice of travel.

Heading to Australia? Card surcharges there are being banned from 1 October — see what changes. Also consider what travel insurance costs and new entry rules such as Europe's ETIAS.

Related reading

• How Much Does Travel Insurance Cost in 2026? Averages and What You Get
• ETIAS Explained: Europe's New €20 Travel Authorisation Arriving in Late 2026
• Japan Tourism Hits Records as Departure Tax Triples to ¥3,000
• How Banks Use AI to Catch Fraud Before the Money Leaves

Sources

• "75,000 Indians ditch traditional forex cards as Wise Travel card launches," Wise Newsroom — newsroom.wise.com
• "Wise card review UK 2026 — is it the best travel card?," PocketWise — pocketwise.co.uk
• "Wise card review for travellers (2026 guide)," 4 Degrees of Destination — 4degreesofdestination.com
• "Wise card review 2026: fees, exchange rates and is it worth it?," MoneyTransfer.store — moneytransfer.store

Travel Insurance Usually Costs 4 to 10 Percent of Your Trip. Here Is What That Buys.

Travel insurance typically costs 4–10% of a trip, with one analysis putting a $5,000 trip at about $197. Basic plans average $125, comprehensive plans $227 and premium plans $345. What each level covers and how to avoid paying for cover you don't need.

By the UISC BD Editorial Desk · United Information Service Center · Published 13 September 2026 · 5-minute read

This article is general information, not insurance advice. Always read a policy's terms before buying.

What It Typically Costs

• Travel insurance generally costs about 4 to 10 percent of the total trip price.
• One 2026 analysis found a $5,000 trip costs about $197 to insure — 3.9 percent.
• InsureMyTrip data puts the average premium for international trips at $184 per person.

The Three Main Levels

Basic — about $125 on average. Medical cover typically capped at $25,000 to $50,000. Suits domestic trips or travellers who already have strong health cover abroad, but not serious emergencies.

Comprehensive — about $227. Usually $100,000 to $150,000 of medical cover and up to $1 million for medical evacuation.

Premium — about $345. Medical cover of $250,000 or more, often with optional "cancel for any reason" benefits.

What Pushes the Price Up

Age. A traveller in their 70s can pay three to five times the under-40 rate for the same cover.

Destination. Countries with limited medical facilities can cost 37 to 45 percent more to insure, because evacuation is harder and more expensive.

Trip cost. Cancellation cover is priced on what you stand to lose.

How Not to Overpay

• Check what you already have. Some credit cards include trip cancellation or travel medical benefits.
• Check your health insurance abroad. Many domestic plans offer little or no cover overseas.
• Declare pre-existing conditions honestly. Undeclared conditions are a common reason claims are refused.
• Buy early. Some benefits only apply if you purchase soon after booking.
• Compare like for like. A cheaper policy may have lower medical limits or higher excesses.
• Price "cancel for any reason" separately. It adds significant cost and usually refunds only part of the trip.

Before Your Trip

Entry rules are changing in some destinations — see Europe's ETIAS travel authorisation and Japan's new tourist taxes. For spending abroad, compare travel money cards.

Related reading

• Travel Money Cards Explained: Multi-Currency Cards vs Credit Cards vs Cash
• ETIAS Explained: Europe's New €20 Travel Authorisation Arriving in Late 2026
• Japan Tourism Hits Records as Departure Tax Triples to ¥3,000
• Car Insurance Costs in 2026: Rates Rise in 32 States After Last Year's Drop

Sources

• "How much does travel insurance cost? Average cost in 2026," MoneyGeek — moneygeek.com
• "How much does travel insurance cost? 2026 guide to rates," InsureMyTrip — insuremytrip.com
• "How much does travel insurance cost in 2026?," Squaremouth — squaremouth.com

A New Repayment Plan Is Reshaping US Student Loans. Here Is What Changed.

Since 1 July 2026, US federal student loan borrowers have a new Repayment Assistance Plan that sets payments at 1% to 10% of income, with forgiveness after 30 years. SAVE is ending, new loans are limited to RAP, and SAVE borrowers get 90 days to choose a new plan once notified.

By the UISC BD Editorial Desk · United Information Service Center · Published 13 September 2026 · 5-minute read

This article is general information, not financial or legal advice. Check your own options with your loan servicer or StudentAid.gov.

Two Tracks From 1 July 2026

If all your loans were taken out before 1 July 2026: you keep most existing repayment options for now, and you can also choose the new RAP plan.

If you take out a new federal loan on or after 1 July 2026: you lose access to the older income-driven plans and are limited to RAP — even if you are an existing borrower.

How RAP Works

• Payments are set at 1 to 10 percent of adjusted gross income.
• Borrowers with income under $10,000 a year pay a flat $10 a month.
• Any remaining balance can be forgiven after 30 years.
• RAP qualifies for Public Service Loan Forgiveness.
• RAP is not available for Parent PLUS loans, or consolidation loans that include Parent PLUS debt.

What Is Ending

SAVE — the Saving on a Valuable Education plan — is being eliminated. Borrowers enrolled in SAVE receive notices from their servicer and have 90 days to choose a different plan.

PAYE and ICR plans are scheduled to end in July 2028.

What to Do Now

1. Watch for your servicer's notice if you are in SAVE, and note the 90-day deadline.
2. Log in to your federal loan account and use the official loan simulator to compare payments under each plan you qualify for.
3. Compare total cost, not just monthly payment. A lower payment over a longer period can mean paying more overall.
4. Working in public service? Confirm your plan and employment count toward PSLF.
5. Think before taking new federal loans if keeping access to older plans matters to you.
6. Ignore companies charging fees to switch plans. Changing repayment plans through official channels is free.

Where to Get Free Help

Your loan servicer, your school's financial aid office and non-profit borrower assistance organisations can explain your options without charge.

For the bigger money picture, see where to earn more on savings and the fastest-growing jobs in 2026.

Related reading

• Australia Bans Card Payment Surcharges From 1 October 2026: What Changes
• Oura IPO: Smart Ring Maker Files to List on Nasdaq at a $16 Billion-Plus Valuation
• Mortgage Rates Hit a 52-Week High: What Buyers and Homeowners Can Do
• Morgan Stanley's Mike Wilson Warns of a Near-Term Correction but Stays Bullish

Sources

• "What do the student loan changes on July 1, 2026 mean for me?," Student Loan Borrower Assistance — studentloanborrowerassistance.org
• "Major July changes to federal student loan repayment," National Consumer Law Center — library.nclc.org
• "Student loan changes coming July 2026: what borrowers need to know," Edelman Financial Engines — edelmanfinancialengines.com
• "Key changes in federal student loan repayment," NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection — nyc.gov

Your Savings Could Earn Ten Times More. Here Is Where Rates Stand.

Top online savings accounts are paying around 4.1% to 4.2% APY in September 2026, while the average traditional savings account pays just 0.38%. What the gap means in real money, what to check before switching, and how rate decisions could change it.

By the UISC BD Editorial Desk · United Information Service Center · Published 13 September 2026 · 4-minute read

This article is general information, not financial advice, and does not recommend any provider. Rates change frequently — check the bank's own site.

Leading Rates This Month

• Axos One: up to 4.21% APY, when deposit and balance requirements are met.
• Newtek Bank Personal High Yield Savings: 4.20% APY, no monthly fee.
• CIT Bank: 4.10% APY.
• Bask Bank Interest Savings: 3.75% APY, no minimum opening deposit or monthly fees.
• Ally Bank: 3.00% APY, no minimum deposit and no monthly fees.

By comparison, the average traditional savings account pays only about 0.38%.

What the Gap Means in Real Money

On $10,000 left for a year:

• At 0.38%, you earn about $38.
• At 4.20%, you earn about $420.

That is a difference of roughly $380 for the same money, sitting just as safely — provided the account is properly insured.

Checks Before You Switch

• Deposit insurance. In the US, FDIC insurance covers up to $250,000 per depositor, per insured bank, per ownership category. With app-based services, confirm which partner bank actually holds your money.
• Conditions. The highest rates may require direct deposits, minimum balances or other activity.
• Variable rates. Savings rates can change at any time, and a promotional rate may expire.
• Fees and limits. Check monthly fees, transfer limits and how quickly you can withdraw.
• Transfer time. Moving money to your everyday account can take a business day or more.

Where Rates Go Next

Savings rates follow central bank policy, usually with a delay. They have been drifting slightly lower in recent months, but markets are weighing a possible rate rise at the Federal Reserve's 15–16 September meeting. How that passes through to savers is explained in how rate decisions reach your savings.

What High-Yield Savings Are For

These accounts suit emergency funds and short-term goals such as a house deposit — see where mortgage rates stand. Money for goals many years away is often invested differently — see our guide to robo-advisors.

Related reading

• Mortgage Rates Hit a 52-Week High: What Buyers and Homeowners Can Do
• Gold Price in September 2026: Record ETF Holdings and What Is Driving Demand
• Bitcoin Price in September 2026: Why It Slipped Below $80,000
• Car Insurance Costs in 2026: Rates Rise in 32 States After Last Year's Drop

Sources

• "Best high-yield savings accounts of September 2026," NerdWallet — nerdwallet.com
• "Best high-yield savings interest rates today, Wednesday, September 9, 2026," Yahoo Finance — finance.yahoo.com
• "Best high-yield savings account rates for September 2026," Yahoo Finance — finance.yahoo.com
• "Deposit insurance," Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation — fdic.gov