IJR News

Italy to Protect Ships in Bab al-Mandeb Without Waiting for EU — Sep 17, 2026We will not wait for a collective EU decision, Defense Minister Guido Crosetto said Thursday, announcing Italy will deploy warships to protect commercial vessels in Bab al-Mandeb.

Chris Dalton Unilateral moves like this risk weakening any future EU naval effort by showing member states can just go it alone.

Houthis Reportedly Seize Mocha, Advance Toward Bab al-Mandab — Sep 9, 2026Houthi forces seized the port city of Mokha on Yemen’s Red Sea coast, prompting government troops to withdraw from Mokha and nearby districts as clashes widen toward Dhubab. The advance threatens control of Bab al-Mandeb, a critical global energy chokepoint, with fighting spilling over into Taiz, Mareb, and Hodeidah and reports of civilian displacement.

Sam Okafor The spread of fighting into Taiz and Hodeidah will only drive more families from their homes without any clear end in sight.

Houthis Expand Control Near Bab el-MandebWorld — Sep 9, 2026Yemeni government forces pressed offensives on multiple fronts against the Houthis, conducting strikes on Mokha–Dhubab and targeting coastal and western fronts including Taiz, Bab al-Mandab, and Al-Jawf as civilian displacement rises amid intensified clashes. The Saudi-led coalition responded with airstrikes against Houthi positions, while the Houthis claim defensive success with domestically produced missiles, and the coalition vows to neutralize the threat and protect Saudi sovereignty.

Saudi Arabia issues Mecca alert after Houthi drone intercepted — Sep 14, 2026Three civilians were martyred in Saudi airstrikes on Dhubab, Maqbanah, as the Yemen conflict intensified with continued strikes targeting Taiz, Mocha and Bab al-Mandab, and Houthi forces launching missiles and drones at sites including King Khalid Air Base. Reports from multiple outlets describe civilians injured across Khamis Mushait, Abha, Taif and Taiz, underscoring a widening toll and ongoing escalation between the Saudi-led coalition and the Houthis.

Sam Okafor Both sides trading missiles and airstrikes around Taiz and Abha only drags this conflict deeper without end.

Houthi Attacks on Saudi Arabia Escalate — Sep 10, 2026The United States has deployed more than 100 American advisers—some reports up to about 200—to Saudi Arabia to provide intelligence, geospatial data, and real-time targeting support under a newly formed joint forces command to aid Saudi operations against Yemen’s Houthi forces. Washington says it is not directly participating in or refueling strikes, even as the conflict concentrates near the Bab al-Mandab Strait and raises concerns about shipping routes through the Red Sea.

Most Influential Women in World HistoryYourlist — RankingFrom ancient queens who ruled empires to modern activists who changed laws, these women left indelible marks on politics, science, and culture. Vote for who you think shaped history most profoundly.

Houthis Capture Mokha and Nearby Red Sea IslandWorld — Sep 10, 2026The Yemeni port of Mokha, or Mocha, historically a key coffee trade hub and the origin of the mocha drink, has been captured by Houthi forces, raising fears of renewed conflict and threatening Red Sea shipping via the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. Analysts and officials note the port’s strategic importance for oil exports and regional leverage, linking Yemen’s coffee history to a modern crisis with implications for Saudi-led interests and international trade.

Houthis Reportedly Capture Mokha, Red Sea IslandsWorld — Sep 6, 2026Iran-aligned Houthis have escalated attacks on Red Sea oil transport and signaled readiness to join Iran in widening the conflict, threatening global energy routes via Bab al-Mandab and Hormuz; meanwhile Western powers confront costly, difficult efforts to protect these chokepoints as ships change course in the Red Sea and at Hormuz amid warnings.

Saudi Oil Exports Face Disruption Across Region — Sep 12, 2026Diplomatic efforts in the region stalled as Oman postponed Iran-Gulf talks amid drone and missile attacks that disrupted key oil routes, including Saudi Arabia’s east-west pipeline and tension around the Strait of Hormuz, stoking fears of a global oil supply shock. The Houthis’ rapid advances—seizing Bab al-Mandeb and threatening Perim Island and Mocha—have narrowed Saudi options and heightened the risk of wider conflict, with analysts noting limited strategic room for Riyadh and uncertainty over U.S. involvement under Trump.

Elena Vasquez Saudi Arabia has few good options left if the Houthis keep closing key routes and pushing oil prices higher for everyone.

Saudi Arabia Shuts East-West Pipeline After Drone Attacks Riyadh Blames on Iraq — Sep 11, 2026Saudi Arabia said its East-West pipeline was shut as a precaution after Thursday attacks that injured several people and prompted emergency measures, with authorities citing increasing Houthi aggression tied to Iran in the Yemen conflict. The broader security picture shows Houthis pressing toward Bab el-Mandeb, raising international concern over freedom of navigation as the Red Sea route for Saudi oil comes under pressure and the Houthis’ advances increasingly threaten critical sea lanes and pipeline infrastructure.

Rachel Meyers Tying these attacks back to Iran through the Houthis shows why the Yemen war needs a stronger diplomatic push.

Kentucky babysitter charged with murder after baby found dead in couch — Sep 18, 2026Investigations into babysitter-related deaths across Kentucky and North Carolina reveal alleged abuse and deception, with Elijah Mayes charged with murder after an 11-month-old, Grayson Walton, was found dead inside a couch in Kentucky and authorities saying he fabricates an alibi. In North Carolina, Shidae Sellers faces first-degree murder charges after a 7-month-old, Julien Grayson, died from severe head injuries reportedly sustained while in her care.

Five ETFs See Major August Short-Interest Shifts — Sep 13, 2026Several Brookstone and GraniteShares ETFs saw notable August swings in short interest, with BAMV and BAMU showing large reductions and increases respectively, while BAMG also rose and BABX, BABO, and BABO displayed substantial declines in short interest. The shifts reflect varied investor activity across value, growth, ultra-short bond, and leveraged Alibaba-focused funds.

Physical Books vs E-ReadersYourlist — VS BattlePaper's soul versus the paperless suitcase.

Abbott Agrees to $385 Million Formula Settlement — Sep 14, 2026Abbott will pay $385 million to settle DOJ claims over unsanitary conditions at its Sturgis baby-formula plant after the 2022 recall; it denies fault and the criminal case was closed.

Chris Dalton Abbott denying fault after unsanitary plant conditions led to that recall still leaves parents wondering about real accountability.

Cape Town Plans Permanent Confinement for 60 Baboons — Sep 17, 2026Cape Town officials propose relocating about 60 chacma baboons to an Urban Wildlife Centre as an alternative to culling, arguing that urban encroachment has worsened human-wildlife conflicts and welfare concerns; the plan has triggered fierce protests from conservationists and residents who say wild baboons should roam free. Debates over how to manage baboons—relocation, culling, or coexistence—center on how to balance public safety, animal welfare, and the pressures of urban expansion, with calls to secure properties and reduce attractants as part of coexistence strategies.

Wendy’s Launches Lisa Barlow’s Digital-Exclusive MealEntertainment — Sep 16, 2026Wendy's is launching Lisa Barlow's Baby Gorgeous Meal, a digital-exclusive duo tied to The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City that includes 10-piece nuggets, fries, a beverage, and a dipping sauce, available only in the Wendy's app and on DoorDash as a limited-time offer. Purchases through the app trigger entry into the Baby Gorgeous Sweepstakes with prizes ranging from Wendy's gift cards to a $10,000 grand prize, reinforcing a Bravo-branded promotional push around the partnership.

NATO Envoy Faults Czech Defense Spending as Babiš Targets 2% GDP — Sep 18, 2026U.S. NATO envoy Whitaker said Czechia is trending toward the bottom of the alliance on defense spending; Babiš pledged 2% of GDP next year after roughly 1.7%–1.8% this year.

Marcus Bell Babiš waited too long to hit 2 percent when the alliance standard has been clear for years.

Would you get phished?Quizie — QuizFifteen workplace scam scenarios. Most people are more confident than correct — the rank says which one you are.

Maddie Font Announces Pregnancy With Baby Girl After March Miscarriage — Sep 16, 2026Maddie Font announced she and husband Jonah Font are expecting their second child, a baby girl, joining their 3-year-old son Forrest as she launches a solo career after leaving Maddie & Tae. The news follows a tough year that included a March miscarriage, after which she reflects on faith and balancing motherhood with her new path in music, while maintaining a close friendship with Tae Kerr.

Nicole Hardy Her choice to go solo while raising kids shows real commitment, and keeping that bond with Tae is a smart move in country music.

Meghan Patrick, Mitchell Tenpenny Welcome Baby Girl — Sep 8, 2026Meghan Patrick and Mitchell Tenpenny welcomed their first child, Ember James Tenpenny, born September 1 weighing 5 pounds 12 ounces, and shared the joyful news on social media with gratitude. The couple had previously candidly discussed a long journey to conceive, with Patrick pausing touring for health and family as they begin parenthood and honor family in their baby’s name.

Chocolate Reclaims Top Spot as America’s Favorite FlavorLifestyle — Sep 8, 2026Chocolate is enjoying a resurgence in American favorites, from the origin of the chocolate milkshake and its status as the top ice cream flavor to a bakery’s Dolly Parton cookies and a home-baked chocolate babka with expert tips. Home bakers can craft a glossy babka while a Newcastle tasting explores wine-and-chocolate pairings with six Italian wines.

Babylon Bee meme applies diversity standards to Jesus apostles — 23hMeme Wars: trending on the Right today.

Pope Leo celebrates Mass before 800,000 in Paris — 3dPope Leo XIV drew enormous crowds in Paris for an outdoor Mass, while his procession along the Champs-Élysées featured repeated stops to bless babies and young children.

Supreme Court Rejects Surrogate’s Custody Appeal — Sep 20, 2026The Supreme Court declined to intervene in a multi-state surrogacy dispute over a baby with a severe heart defect, letting a California court’s ruling that the genetic parents are the child’s legal guardians stand, while the surrogate sought involvement in the child’s medical decisions. Texas and California courts remain involved in determining the child’s care, with transfers and emergency orders reflecting the life-saving needs of the infant and ongoing legal battles between the surrogate and the genetic parents.

Exploring what makes a home a place of peaceGood News — Sep 1, 2026Eleanor Cripps felt held in a spare bedroom after her fourth baby, and Jazmyne Boozer grew up in a home where guests came to rest their souls. Small daily habits keep that peace alive.

Rachel Meyers Funny how a home can look perfectly staged and still feel restless, it really is about how you live in the space day to day.

Babylon Bee meme claims Newsom duty to immigrants who elected him — 4dMeme Wars: trending on the Right today.

Taylor Lautner, Wife Tay Welcome First Baby — 5dTay Lautner's Instagram post showed newborn Lennon in a light pink onesie on pink sheets, face cropped out, with a cross-stitch of her name and an embroidered bear.

Elena Vasquez Congratulations to the Lautners on baby Lennon. Keeping her face private while sharing those sweet details was a nice touch.