VICE

A former German vice chancellor has publicly accused Israel of committing war crimes in Gaza. The statement is notable given Germany's longstanding political and military support for Israel, and it adds to a growing list of current and former European officials speaking out against the conduct of the war. The remarks are being reported by international outlets and are likely to fuel debate in Germany over its Israel policy.

A North Korean vice minister declared the country's nuclear weapons status to be 'irreversible', according to reports carried by South Korean outlet SBS. The statement reaffirms Pyongyang's long-standing position that it will not give up its nuclear arsenal, and it has drawn attention amid ongoing tensions on the Korean peninsula and stalled denuclearisation talks.

Chipmaker Advanced Micro Devices has agreed to acquire World Labs, the artificial intelligence startup founded by AI pioneer Fei-Fei Li, in a deal valued at $8.2 billion. The acquisition marks one of the largest purchases of an AI company to date and signals AMD's push to expand beyond chips into artificial intelligence. Observers are weighing what the deal means for competition in the AI industry.

Pakistan has called in the army and suspended mobile internet services in multiple cities as protests by Imran Khan's PTI escalate. Reporter Mansoor Ali Khan is covering the crackdown, which has drawn wide attention as authorities move to contain demonstrations and restrict communications across affected urban centres.

Singapore has introduced a matchmaking service aimed at single government employees, an unusual workplace-linked dating initiative. The scheme reflects the government's wider efforts to encourage marriage and family formation as the city-state grapples with one of the world's lowest fertility rates and a workforce of mostly single young professionals.

The US Postal Service says it will refuse to deliver mail ballots in states that do not turn over voter registration lists, a requirement tied to a proposal pushed by President Trump. The stand-off pits federal election mail operations against state control of voter data, raising concerns about ballot access and election logistics ahead of upcoming votes.

A Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea addressed the general debate of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. The speech was carried on the UN's official broadcast platform as part of the annual high-level debate, where member states set out their positions before the international body. Details of what the vice minister said were not provided.

Bank employees' unions in India are reported to be going on strike from September 28 to 30, raising concerns about disruptions to everyday banking. Coverage is explaining what customers can expect with UPI payments, ATM withdrawals, cheque clearing and branch services during the three-day walkout, and advising people to plan cash and payments in advance.

Azerbaijan's state oil company Socar has announced it will lower fuel prices at its service stations across Italy, following a similar cut by Eni. The price reductions ease pressure on Premier Giorgia Meloni's coalition, which faces calls to impose a windfall tax on energy companies ahead of the next election.

A large fire broke out in the early afternoon at a company in Malo, in the province of Vicenza, in Italy's Veneto region. Residents in the areas of Malo, Vicenza and Thiene are being advised, as a precaution, to keep all windows closed while emergency crews respond to the blaze.

Saudi Arabia's defense minister has extended an invitation to the United Arab Emirates' vice president to visit the Kingdom on Tuesday. The invite signals continued high-level engagement between the two Gulf neighbours at a time of regional diplomacy. Further details about the purpose of the visit or the agenda have not been disclosed.

The US Secret Service is facing questions about whether its agency funds were used for White House renovation work. Lawmakers and oversight officials are seeking clarity on how the money was spent and whether the agency diverted resources from its protective mission. No details on the amounts involved or any formal investigation have been confirmed yet.

Tensions briefly flared when Chinese reporters reportedly clashed with U.S. Secret Service personnel and other journalists during President Xi Jinping's visit to the United States. The altercation broke out amid heightened security arrangements surrounding the U.S.-China summit, underscoring how sensitive the trip has become for both sides' security teams and press corps.

Indian space regulator IN-SPACe has introduced a 'Satellite-as-a-Service' framework governing how Indian satellite operators can host payloads from Indian and foreign customers. The rules are expected to open the door for overseas agencies and companies to fly instruments on Indian spacecraft, expanding commercial opportunities for the country's growing private space sector.

EU sanctions on Russian money-transfer service Golden Crown have sharply disrupted cross-border payments. Regulator data show transfers from Russia to Kazakhstan in August fell nearly twelvefold, while those to Georgia dropped to their lowest level in more than two decades. The figures highlight how effectively the restrictions have cut off a key channel for moving money out of Russia to neighbouring countries.

Businesses may start charging customers more for services as gasoline prices continue to rise, according to an ABC30 Fresno report. Higher fuel costs raise operating expenses for companies that rely on vehicles and deliveries, and some owners say those costs could be passed on to consumers through higher fees and service charges if prices at the pump stay elevated.

Argentina defeated Bolivia 4-0 in an international friendly, their first game since Lionel Messi's international exit. Lautaro Martinez and Nico Paz were among the scorers, while Emiliano Martinez served as vice-captain. Coach Lionel Scaloni experimented with the lineup, sparking debate over whether the world champions will adopt a new identity in the post-Messi era.

Estonian authorities say Russian intelligence services were behind an arson attack against Milrem, an Estonian defense contractor, in the capital Tallinn on August 15. The claim has drawn attention amid heightened tensions over Russia's war in Ukraine, with Milrem known for producing military robotics used by Ukraine. Observers see the attack as part of a broader pattern of Russian sabotage and hybrid operations targeting European defense and infrastructure.

JD Vance delivered remarks at Lakeland International Airport in Florida, where the event drew protesters and at least one heckler despite heavy security. The interruptions came during what has been described as a year of forceful crackdowns on protesters in the United States, with commentary noting the security measures failed to prevent disruption at the venue.

Singapore's government has launched a pilot scheme for a dating service that uses a matchmaking algorithm recognised with a Nobel Prize, drawing on the Gale-Shapley matching work honoured in economics. The move, reported by the Financial Times, is being discussed as an unusual example of a state stepping directly into citizens' romantic lives, part of Singapore's wider efforts to encourage dating and marriage amid declining birth rates.

Starlink, Elon Musk's satellite internet service, is preparing to launch in Bosnia and Herzegovina, according to industry outlet Telecompaper. The move would bring high-speed satellite broadband to the Balkan country, potentially improving connectivity in rural and underserved areas where fixed-line infrastructure is limited. The announcement is drawing attention across the region as residents and telecom watchers assess what it could mean for internet access and competition with local providers.

Political analyst Adi Prayitno has responded to the lawsuit over Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka's diploma being heard at Indonesia's Constitutional Court. The case challenges the authenticity of Gibran's university degree, a recurring controversy in Indonesian politics. Prayitno's comments are drawing wide attention as the court examines the petition and debate continues over the credentials of President Prabowo's vice presidential running mate.

Nevada County has selected Pacific Clinics as its new provider for behavioral health crisis services. The California county announced that the nonprofit organization will take over the delivery of crisis response and support programs for residents experiencing mental health emergencies. Details on the transition timeline and how the change will affect service access in the community have not yet been fully outlined.

School bus service has been canceled for Princeton City Schools after bus drivers went on strike, disrupting transportation for students in the Ohio district. The action leaves families to arrange their own travel to school while officials and union representatives face pressure to resolve the dispute. The strike has drawn local attention over its impact on students and stalled contract negotiations.

Argentina defeated Bolivia 4-0 in a friendly match, with Lautaro Martinez leading the attack and celebrating the team's energy after the win. Coverage focused on Lionel Scaloni's starting lineup, with Emiliano 'Dibu' Martinez named vice-captain and two positions still in doubt ahead of kickoff. French and Spanish outlets widely reported the score, lineups and broadcast details.

Argentina are playing Bolivia in an international friendly, with attention focused on the start of the post-Lionel Messi era and the future of his No. 10 shirt. Coach Lionel Scaloni is weighing lineup decisions, including Alexis Mac Allister's involvement and Emiliano Martinez as vice-captain. Reports say Argentina have previously considered retiring the No. 10 jersey and could do so again in Messi's honour.

Debate is growing in Britain over plans for a National Care Service, a proposed system that would put adult social care on a footing similar to the NHS, with funding and standards organised nationally. Commentators are weighing what it would cost, how it would be staffed, and whether reform can finally fix a care sector under strain from an ageing population and chronic vacancies.

A newly signed law is set to strengthen mental health services for criminal defendants found incompetent to stand trial. The measure, highlighted by a district attorney's office, aims to improve treatment and support for people in the justice system with serious mental health needs. Details on its specific provisions, sponsors and effective date have not yet been widely reported.

Comedian Andrew Schulz has been cast in 'Miami Vice '85', Universal's new take on the classic crime series, joining Michael B. Jordan and Austin Butler. The casting pairs a well-known stand-up comic with two major film stars in a high-profile reboot, drawing attention from both film and comedy audiences.