General News Today — September 17, 2026
Boy, 13, is new voice of Thomas the Tank Engine and more — today's news signal.
As the world continues to navigate change, updates are emerging on various fronts. In entertainment news, a new voice has taken on a beloved character, with a 13-year-old boy now bringing Thomas the Tank Engine to life. Meanwhile, celebrities are making headlines for their philanthropic efforts, with Robert Kraft discussing a substantial donation request from Ed Sheeran amidst some controversy.
In other news, significant economic developments are unfolding in the United States, where the Federal Reserve has raised interest rates in a move aimed at containing inflation. This decision marks a major step under the leadership of a key figure at the Fed. On the sports front, a dramatic VAR mistake has made headlines in a high-stakes derby match. The day's news also brings a note of remembrance, as the literary world mourns the loss of British-American author and critic Bonnie Greer, who has passed away at the age of 77.
Today's signal:
• Boy, 13, is new voice of Thomas the Tank Engine (bbc.co.uk)
• Ed Sheeran asked me to donate $2m in aid, Robert Kraft says after Macklemore backlash (bbc.co.uk)
• Fed Raises Rates in First Major Step by Warsh to Contain Inflation (nytimes.com)
• Fed Raises Interest Rates (nytimes.com)
• 'Let's go, let's go' - inside catastrophic derby VAR mistake (bbc.co.uk)
• British-American author and critic Bonnie Greer dies aged 77 (bbc.co.uk)