BBC News Briefing

3 September, 2026

Alex has short blonde hair and blue eyes. She is smiling and wearing a black turtleneck

Alex Binley

Hello. Following Gloria Steinem's death, we take a look back at the feminist leader's life. We also report from the Thai resort where 5,000 US Navy members are enjoying their first days off in nine months. And find out why Australian police are using an escaped emu as a recruitment tool.

TOP OF THE AGENDA

How Gloria Steinem transformed feminism

Gloria Steinem is seen as a young woman. She has long, thick, light brown hair and is wearing tinted blue aviator sunglasses and a dark blue, sleeveless dress. She is seen from the side, leaning forwards and is speaking into a microphone.

Steinem was an internationally recognised activist in the fight for women's equality. Credit: John Olson/Getty Images

After more than 60 years as one of the most prominent voices in the fight for women's rights, Gloria Steinem has died at the age of 92. Her foundation said she "passed away peacefully" on Wednesday at her New York home, "surrounded by many who loved her". The journalist and activist dedicated her life to speaking out for the legalisation of abortion, same-sex marriage, and equal rights for women, and protested against the death penalty and female genital mutilation, while her critics targeted her for everything from her looks to her motives. From her difficult childhood to being awarded America's highest civilian honour, and even becoming a talented tap dancer along the way, we take a look back at how her work changed the lives of generations of women.

More on her life

GET UP TO SPEED

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Palestinian teens killed in settler attack, officials say

The Israeli military said its forces fired on "key instigators" of a "violent disturbance" in which Palestinians threw stones at its troops.

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How 'island' vanished before turning up 20 miles away

Satellite imagery helps to explain how a floating "island" in a Canadian reservoir was able to seemingly disappear.

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'Anthony Joshua driver tried to overtake before crash'

Two of the boxer's team were killed in the crash, which he survived. The driver denies the charges against him.

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Man struck by lightning tells of 'horrific' experience

Thomas Fahmy was walking to his car on Staten Island, New York, when he saw "a bright white flash" and fell to the ground.

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Vance's Antichrist comments 'common belief', says friend

The US vice-president said he would "not [be] shocked if the Antichrist was walking among us" and speculated on "the end times".

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NEWS FROM THE UK

Small boats: Andy Burnham and the president of France have discussed illegal migration as the new PM hosted his first foreign leader in Downing Street.

Weight ban: Hundreds of offshore workers are too heavy and at risk of losing their jobs under new rules that begin in two months. This is the limit.

Chicken Shop Date: Amelia Dimoldenberg has announced she will end the popular YouTube show after more than a decade. Here's why.

AT THE SCENE

Pattaya, Thailand

US sailors go shopping and bar hopping in Thailand after 250 days at sea

A large sign lights up a street. It is night and lots of people are walking on the street and neon signs stick out from buildings offering food and drinks. Most signs are in English but some are in Chinese. The large sign at the end of the street shows a large aircraft carrier flanked by US and Thai flags.

The Iran war has caused a drop in visitor numbers to Pattaya. Credit: Reuters

After a record stretch at sea, the nearly 5,000 crew members of the USS Abraham Lincoln have been enjoying a much needed break in the Thai beach resort of Pattaya. While the city is known for its raucous nightlife and sex tourism, the stint on dry land appears to have passed off without incident so far.

Jonathan Head is seen in front of a city's skyline. Only his head and shoulders can be seen. He has short brown hair and is wearing a black jacket.

Jonathan Head, South East Asia correspondent, and Nongnapat Patcham, reporter

Far from hitting the bars and fleshpots in their first hours onshore, most of the sailors seemed determined to go shopping. At the Hard Rock Hotel, they hung around clutching their recent purchases, but perhaps, after 250 days confined inside a warship, the normality of a trip to the mall might have been just what they needed.

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By midnight, the alcohol was flowing. Some of the younger sailors were so inebriated they had to prop each other up. Others edged nervously into the red-lit caverns of the go-go bars where conversation over the pounding music was challenging. One older crew member told us they really needed the break. "The news says we've been at sea for nine months. To be honest I've lost track of time," he said.

Keep reading

Watch: Why US troops have a history in the raucous city.

Verify: The team tracked the Lincoln's mission as concerns about conditions onboard grew.

Explained: How testosterone testing will work in the US military.
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