The morning and evening brief.

Good morning, this is Briefly — your daily news in three minutes. It's Friday, September 18, 2026. Today's five stories come from one left-leaning and three centrist outlets, plus one unrated outlet.

We begin with major news in the business world. Berkshire Hathaway announced today that Warren Buffett will step down as chairman of the company. His son, Howard Buffett, will assume the chairmanship. This follows Warren Buffett’s decision less than a year ago to hand over the CEO duties. Buffett, who has led Berkshire Hathaway since 1965, has overseen its growth into a massive conglomerate. This generational shift in leadership is a significant development, and investors will be watching closely for any indication of changes in the company's investment strategies or corporate direction under the new chairman.

Turning to international affairs, tensions continue to rise between the United States and Iran. An Iranian delegation has been granted permission by the United Nations to attend the UN General Assembly in New York next week. This decision comes amid a backdrop of escalating tensions. In a separate but related development, the U.K. navy reported that two tankers were attacked Friday in the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial waterway for global oil transport. Following these incidents, President Trump stated he is prepared to make a significant decision regarding the possibility of "annihilating" Iran's leadership. The U.S. has expressed ongoing concerns about Iran's military activities in the region, and these recent events underscore the delicate geopolitical situation.

In entertainment news, the race is on for the Academy Award for Best International Feature Film. The final submissions are due by October 1st. The Academy will announce a shortlist of fifteen films on December 15th, which members will then watch and vote on. The official nominations for the international category will be revealed after that shortlist is finalized. This award can significantly boost a film's international visibility and distribution, impacting filmmakers and national film industries worldwide.

Finally, a concerning report highlights the growing health risks associated with wildfires. Urban construction has led to more homes being built in areas prone to wildfires, increasing exposure. Fires in these developed areas release not only smoke but also a complex mix of chemicals, including particulate matter, volatile organic compounds, metals, and PFAS, which are linked to increased risks of cancer and cardiovascular disease. Studies of firefighters and residents have shown elevated DNA methylation and increased hospital admissions related to smoke inhalation. This trend of urban expansion into wildfire zones, combined with the toxic cocktail of chemicals released by modern fires, raises significant public health concerns.

We'll be back this evening with your daily wrap-up. Have a great day. This has been Briefly.