Friends

Japan is partially turning off the tap of decades of cheap money, moving to support the yen after prolonged currency weakness. The shift in monetary policy is being framed as an effort to defend the currency, with coverage suggesting Washington's position — described as an 'American friend' — played a supporting role in Tokyo's decision to rein in ultra-loose policy.

New European Union rules took effect Sunday aimed at curbing unverified green claims by companies. The measures target vague or unsupported environmental marketing statements, requiring businesses to substantiate eco-friendly assertions made to consumers. The move is part of a broader EU effort against greenwashing, and companies operating in the bloc will now need verifiable evidence for sustainability claims.

India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar delivered a pointed warning at the United Nations, questioning 'friendship with terrorism' in remarks aimed at what has been described as Trump's 'favorite general'. The hard-hitting statement signals India's continued pressure on Pakistan's military leadership over cross-border terrorism, a longstanding flashpoint in India-Pakistan relations that New Delhi keeps on the international agenda.

British celebrities have won their lobbying campaign against AI companies seeking free use of creative work, and are now cautioning Australia against adopting similar exemptions. Their intervention signals that artists' pressure can shape government policy on AI and copyright, with the UK debate serving as a warning for other countries weighing tech-friendly rules that would let firms train models on creative work without payment.

The European Union has updated its anti-greenwashing law, tightening rules on how companies make environmental claims about their products. The measures aim to stop vague or unverified sustainability labels, such as generic terms like 'eco-friendly' or 'climate neutral', unless backed by evidence. Businesses operating in the EU market will need to review their marketing, and consumer groups have broadly welcomed the stricter standards.

The European Union's new rules banning greenwashing come into force on Sunday. The measures restrict companies from making unverified environmental claims about their products, such as vague labels like 'eco-friendly' or 'climate neutral' without proof. The change is aimed at giving consumers reliable information and holding businesses accountable for misleading sustainability marketing across the bloc.

Australia's Socceroos lost to Brazil in an international friendly despite a spectacular goal from Nestory Irkunda, whose long-range stunner was not enough to secure a result. Fans and pundits across Australia, Brazil, the UK, US and elsewhere are debating the match, praising Irkunda's effort while questioning Australia's overall performance against the five-time world champions.

A new report finds that close to half of young people say they would trust artificial intelligence more than a human when it comes to checking facts. The finding highlights a generational shift in how information is verified, with many younger people turning to AI tools rather than friends, family or traditional sources. Commenters are debating what this means for media literacy, misinformation and trust in institutions.

Brazil came from behind to draw with Australia in an international friendly, with Raphinha providing the decisive assist for the equalising goal. The match, played in Australia, drew widespread attention in French-language and international sports coverage, with L'Équipe highlighting Raphinha's key contribution as Brazil avoided an embarrassing defeat against lower-ranked opposition.

Japan's men's national football team, the Samurai Blue, are set to play Venezuela on 28 September at Edion Peace Wing Hiroshima. The Japan Football Association has announced the Venezuela squad travelling to Japan for the match, and fans are discussing the upcoming fixture and the visitors' selected players ahead of kickoff.

Four Italian soldiers were wounded in a friendly-fire incident during a NATO live-fire exercise at Ādaži, Latvia. An Italian Dardo armoured vehicle accidentally fired a machine-gun burst at another Dardo carrying the soldiers. The wounded troops were taken to a hospital in Riga. The incident raises questions about safety procedures during multinational exercises on NATO's eastern flank.

South Korea faced Uruguay in an international football friendly, with the match trending worldwide. Coverage focused on Lee Kang-in, who said the squad was 'unified as one team', and Oh Hyeon-gyu's missed chances. Kim Min-jae was involved in conceding a third goal, while Uruguay's Darwin Nunez was praised for seizing the initiative in attack.

Four Italian servicemen were wounded during NATO exercises in Latvia in a friendly fire incident, according to Il Sole 24 Ore. Reports say an Italian combat vehicle accidentally fired on another vehicle carrying soldiers. The four injured were taken to hospital. The incident is drawing attention to safety risks during large-scale NATO drills on the alliance's eastern flank.

The Wall Street Journal reports that middle-school students are increasingly seeking out AI companions in place of friendships with real peers. The article examines how chatbots and AI friend apps are filling a social role for children, raising concerns among parents and educators about emotional development, screen dependence, and what this shift means for how a generation learns to form relationships.

Almost half of home sellers in the United States are now offering incentives to close deals, ranging from cash concessions of up to $20,000 to perks like free cruises. The trend points to a cooling housing market, with buyers gaining leverage as high mortgage rates and elevated prices leave many properties sitting longer. Commenters are treating the report as a sign the seller-friendly era may be ending.

A group of Republicans has called on President Trump to ban exports of U.S. diesel fuel, according to the New York Times. The push reflects concerns within the party about domestic fuel supply and prices, and pits protectionist energy policy against the oil industry's export interests. The debate comes as fuel costs remain a politically sensitive issue heading into the fall.

Uruguay beat South Korea by a large scoreline in an international friendly on 28 September. Giorgian de Arrascaeta, one of two Flamengo players shining in the side, scored, and the win marked the first victory celebrated under Diego Forlán. Brazilian outlets had previewed the match heavily with line-ups, betting tips and broadcast details, and reaction has focused on Arrascaeta's performance and Uruguay's dominant display.

Donald Trump has again spoken warmly about New York Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani, a progressive Democrat, in what Politico describes as the latest such display of cordiality between the two. The outlet argues the timing is awkward for Republicans, who have sought to portray Mamdani's brand of democratic socialism as a threat ahead of coming electoral contests.

Mexico's national football team takes on Colombia in an international friendly that marks Rafa Márquez's debut as head coach of El Tri. Fans are searching for kickoff times and broadcast details, with interest strong in Mexico, Spain, and the United States, where large Colombian and Mexican communities follow the match.

Dennis Haskins, the actor best known for playing Principal Richard Belding on the sitcom 'Saved by the Bell,' has died at the age of 75. He played the friendly school principal on the popular series from 1989 to 1993 and reprised the role in later spin-offs. The news is prompting tributes from fans remembering his role as one of TV's most recognizable authority figures.

Dennis Haskins, the actor best known for playing Principal Richard Belding on the hit sitcom 'Saved by the Bell,' has died at the age of 75. News of his death prompted tributes from fans who grew up with the show and remembered his friendly, iconic portrayal of the Bayside High principal. He appeared across the series' run and its later revivals.

Uruguay beat South Korea in an international friendly in Seoul, with Rodrigo Bentancur captaining the side to a convincing win. Uruguayan striker Darwin Nunez drew attention for his physical dominance, while focus on the Korean side centred on Son Heung-min and Lee Kang-in. Uruguay's coach Moreno cautioned against deploying Lee in an unfamiliar position, and Korean media highlighted defensive lapses that proved costly.

Peru face Mexico in an international friendly that is drawing attention across multiple countries. Jairo Vélez, trusted by coach Mano Menezes, put Peru 1-0 ahead. Menezes reshuffled the starting eleven after a heavy defeat to the United States, and midfielder Renato Tapia's teammate Yotún spoke about the squad's determination to respond. Fans sang the national anthem ahead of kickoff, and broadcasters reported strong viewing interest.