https://vertrix.cloud/news/Latest global news briefs from Vertrix Newsenhttps://vertrix.cloud/news/story/debt-advice-calls-rise-as-australians-face-tougher-collection-pressure-7e5cdba3.htmlhttps://vertrix.cloud/news/story/debt-advice-calls-rise-as-australians-face-tougher-collection-pressure-7e5cdba3.htmlWed, 16 Sep 2026 19:41:59 +0000Calls to Australia’s National Debt Helpline rose nearly 12 per cent in the year to August, with about 15,000 linked directly to debt collection. The ABC reports that advisers recommend checking whether a debt is valid, negotiating affordable repayments and using complaints processes when collectors act improperly.https://vertrix.cloud/news/story/two-teenagers-charged-over-fatal-mistaken-identity-shooting-in-sydney-db7a72d9.htmlhttps://vertrix.cloud/news/story/two-teenagers-charged-over-fatal-mistaken-identity-shooting-in-sydney-db7a72d9.htmlWed, 16 Sep 2026 19:26:04 +0000Police have charged boys aged 14 and 16 with murder over the shooting death of university student Marco Tapia at a Glen Alpine home. Detectives allege the wrong house was targeted and say the teenagers helped stage vehicles and provide a weapon for the gunman.https://vertrix.cloud/news/story/audit-data-highlights-worsening-condition-of-victoria-s-state-roads-5a4da90f.htmlhttps://vertrix.cloud/news/story/audit-data-highlights-worsening-condition-of-victoria-s-state-roads-5a4da90f.htmlWed, 16 Sep 2026 19:10:09 +0000An analysis of Victorian auditor-general data found that 48 per cent of state-managed roads were in poor or very poor condition in 2024, up from 39 per cent in 2021. The findings come as the government promises to repair 500,000 potholes this financial year and opposition criticism intensifies.https://vertrix.cloud/news/story/sky-sports-highlights-arsenal-youngster-max-dowman-s-early-impact-02a6aa42.htmlhttps://vertrix.cloud/news/story/sky-sports-highlights-arsenal-youngster-max-dowman-s-early-impact-02a6aa42.htmlWed, 16 Sep 2026 18:56:15 +0000Sky Sports has published a highlights feature on Max Dowman, describing the Arsenal youngster as continuing to impress. The supplied material does not provide further details about his performances or the contents of the feature.https://vertrix.cloud/news/story/cbs-images-depict-extensive-damage-at-us-bases-after-iranian-strikes-8708e9ae.htmlhttps://vertrix.cloud/news/story/cbs-images-depict-extensive-damage-at-us-bases-after-iranian-strikes-8708e9ae.htmlWed, 16 Sep 2026 18:36:16 +0000Photos obtained by CBS News appear to show destroyed aircraft, buildings and temporary structures at US sites in Kuwait and Saudi Arabia. The BBC said it has not independently verified the images, while a Pentagon watchdog separately reported hundreds of damaged or destroyed structures and billions of dollars in equipment losses.https://vertrix.cloud/news/story/federal-reserve-lifts-interest-rates-by-quarter-point-to-curb-inflation-3e1ba086.htmlhttps://vertrix.cloud/news/story/federal-reserve-lifts-interest-rates-by-quarter-point-to-curb-inflation-3e1ba086.htmlWed, 16 Sep 2026 18:30:00 +0000The US Federal Reserve raised interest rates by 25 basis points, citing persistently high inflation, according to DW. The move could draw criticism from President Donald Trump, who has called for lower rates.https://vertrix.cloud/news/story/sunderland-and-az-prepare-for-europa-league-meeting-as-milan-host-benfic-7e188f30.htmlhttps://vertrix.cloud/news/story/sunderland-and-az-prepare-for-europa-league-meeting-as-milan-host-benfic-7e188f30.htmlWed, 16 Sep 2026 18:18:29 +0000Sunderland and AZ named their lineups for an 8pm BST Europa League match, while Milan and Benfica also prepared for a high-profile fixture, The Guardian reported. Sunderland captain Granit Xhaka said his team wanted to play with intensity as the club began another European campaign.https://vertrix.cloud/news/story/oktoberfest-beer-prices-have-risen-far-faster-than-german-inflation-8159d2dc.htmlhttps://vertrix.cloud/news/story/oktoberfest-beer-prices-have-risen-far-faster-than-german-inflation-8159d2dc.htmlWed, 16 Sep 2026 18:14:09 +0000A liter mug of beer at Munich’s Oktoberfest will cost an average of €15.61 this year, according to DW. UniCredit economist Andreas Rees found prices have increased about 400% since 1985, compared with roughly 120% growth in German consumer prices, although this year’s rise is 2.4%.https://vertrix.cloud/news/story/manchester-united-and-brighton-headline-carabao-cup-third-round-action-df50b31a.htmlhttps://vertrix.cloud/news/story/manchester-united-and-brighton-headline-carabao-cup-third-round-action-df50b31a.htmlWed, 16 Sep 2026 18:05:05 +0000The Guardian’s live coverage lists four third-round matches, including Manchester United against Brighton and Coventry City against Aston Villa. United’s lineup includes Karl Darlow on his debut, while the report says 15-year-old JJ Gabriel is considering his future amid interest from Real Madrid and Barcelona.https://vertrix.cloud/news/story/oxfordshire-village-stages-symbolic-secession-vote-over-asylum-center-pl-e059a4d3.htmlhttps://vertrix.cloud/news/story/oxfordshire-village-stages-symbolic-secession-vote-over-asylum-center-pl-e059a4d3.htmlWed, 16 Sep 2026 17:58:10 +0000Residents of Piddington voted overwhelmingly in a nonbinding referendum to symbolically secede from the United Kingdom, protesting plans for an asylum reception center at a nearby former military base. The proposal remains under review, while officials and ministers say military facilities could help replace asylum hotels.https://vertrix.cloud/news/story/merz-faces-pressure-to-restore-cdu-confidence-after-state-election-setba-fb021fb3.htmlhttps://vertrix.cloud/news/story/merz-faces-pressure-to-restore-cdu-confidence-after-state-election-setba-fb021fb3.htmlWed, 16 Sep 2026 17:41:50 +0000German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is under growing pressure after the CDU’s defeat in Saxony-Anhalt and weak polling ahead of an election in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. Despite criticism over communication and policy, all eight CDU state premiers have declared their support, while no broadly accepted successor has emerged.https://vertrix.cloud/news/story/canada-and-eu-explore-a-broader-partnership-beyond-trade-ead9100a.htmlhttps://vertrix.cloud/news/story/canada-and-eu-explore-a-broader-partnership-beyond-trade-ead9100a.htmlWed, 16 Sep 2026 17:26:19 +0000Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney is seeking a “unique alliance” with the European Union as Canada looks to deepen ties beyond its existing trade agreement. Areas under discussion include defense, technology, energy, critical minerals and infrastructure, though experts say the partnership is unlikely to involve Canadian membership of the EU single market.https://vertrix.cloud/news/story/kosovo-reacts-with-shock-after-hague-convictions-of-former-kla-leaders-15216f8c.htmlhttps://vertrix.cloud/news/story/kosovo-reacts-with-shock-after-hague-convictions-of-former-kla-leaders-15216f8c.htmlWed, 16 Sep 2026 17:10:49 +0000Crowds in Pristina and other Kosovo cities reacted with silence, protests and chants of support after the Kosovo Specialist Chambers convicted former President Hashim Thaci and three former KLA leaders of war crimes. Kosovo’s political leaders called the judgment unjust, while defense lawyers said the men would appeal.https://vertrix.cloud/news/story/merz-faces-mounting-pressure-after-cdu-election-setbacks-f91ce16a.htmlhttps://vertrix.cloud/news/story/merz-faces-mounting-pressure-after-cdu-election-setbacks-f91ce16a.htmlWed, 16 Sep 2026 16:54:52 +0000German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is facing growing doubts after the CDU’s defeat in Saxony-Anhalt and weak polling in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. Government officials have criticized the coalition’s lack of public trust, but the CDU and CSU have no broadly supported alternative and all eight CDU state premiers have publicly backed him.https://vertrix.cloud/news/story/building-collapse-in-gaza-kills-at-least-21-as-rescuers-search-rubble-3fa23b0d.htmlhttps://vertrix.cloud/news/story/building-collapse-in-gaza-kills-at-least-21-as-rescuers-search-rubble-3fa23b0d.htmlWed, 16 Sep 2026 16:39:10 +0000At least 21 people, including six children, died when a war-damaged building collapsed in Gaza, according to authorities cited by DW. Rescue workers continued searching for survivors with limited equipment, while UN officials warned that hundreds of other damaged buildings could also collapse.https://vertrix.cloud/news/story/drone-strike-on-bus-in-southern-ukraine-kills-five-injures-at-least-seve-d9142531.htmlhttps://vertrix.cloud/news/story/drone-strike-on-bus-in-southern-ukraine-kills-five-injures-at-least-seve-d9142531.htmlWed, 16 Sep 2026 16:17:22 +0000A Russian drone struck a passenger bus in southern Ukraine early Wednesday, killing five people and injuring at least seven, according to France 24. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called the attack an “atrocity.”https://vertrix.cloud/news/story/kosovo-leaders-condemn-hague-convictions-of-former-president-and-kla-com-b270af45.htmlhttps://vertrix.cloud/news/story/kosovo-leaders-condemn-hague-convictions-of-former-president-and-kla-com-b270af45.htmlWed, 16 Sep 2026 16:08:15 +0000Kosovo reacted with shock after the Kosovo Specialist Chambers convicted former President Hashim Thaci and three former KLA leaders of war crimes. Political leaders called the verdict unjust, while police intervened after protesters tried to damage an EULEX perimeter wall; defense lawyers said appeals would follow.https://vertrix.cloud/news/story/playwright-and-commentator-bonnie-greer-dies-at-77-ded54a0d.htmlhttps://vertrix.cloud/news/story/playwright-and-commentator-bonnie-greer-dies-at-77-ded54a0d.htmlWed, 16 Sep 2026 15:52:30 +0000Bonnie Greer, the Chicago-born playwright and author who became a prominent voice in British cultural and political debate, has died aged 77. Her husband, David Hutchins, said she died after a brief illness and remembered her as a warm, generous and unifying presence.https://vertrix.cloud/news/story/building-collapse-in-gaza-kills-at-least-20-as-rescuers-search-rubble-213c78e2.htmlhttps://vertrix.cloud/news/story/building-collapse-in-gaza-kills-at-least-20-as-rescuers-search-rubble-213c78e2.htmlWed, 16 Sep 2026 15:37:00 +0000At least 20 people, including six children, were killed when a war-damaged building collapsed in Gaza, according to DW. Rescue workers continued searching for survivors with limited equipment, while officials warned that hundreds of other damaged structures could also collapse as wetter weather approaches.https://vertrix.cloud/news/story/first-use-of-dormant-us-terrorism-court-opens-questions-over-deportation-9c447504.htmlhttps://vertrix.cloud/news/story/first-use-of-dormant-us-terrorism-court-opens-questions-over-deportation-9c447504.htmlWed, 16 Sep 2026 15:21:50 +0000The United States has used its Alien Terrorist Removal Court for the first time since it was created, deporting Afghan permanent resident Nazira Haji Zada after she waived an appeal. Legal experts and her attorneys questioned the court’s secrecy and said its constitutional validity remains untested.https://vertrix.cloud/news/story/germany-s-goalkeeper-succession-remains-open-after-neuer-s-retirement-1516c9bb.htmlhttps://vertrix.cloud/news/story/germany-s-goalkeeper-succession-remains-open-after-neuer-s-retirement-1516c9bb.htmlWed, 16 Sep 2026 15:06:00 +0000Manuel Neuer’s departure from international football has left Germany searching for a new first-choice goalkeeper. DW says Jonas Urbig, Marc-André ter Stegen, Oliver Baumann and several younger candidates are under consideration, with club playing time, age and Jürgen Klopp’s tactical preferences likely to shape the decision.https://vertrix.cloud/news/story/building-collapse-in-gaza-kills-at-least-20-as-rescuers-search-rubble-9e2365a7.htmlhttps://vertrix.cloud/news/story/building-collapse-in-gaza-kills-at-least-20-as-rescuers-search-rubble-9e2365a7.htmlWed, 16 Sep 2026 14:50:40 +0000At least 20 people, including six children, died when a war-damaged building collapsed in Gaza, according to DW. Rescue workers, hampered by a lack of heavy machinery, continued searching for survivors while officials warned that hundreds of other damaged buildings could also collapse.https://vertrix.cloud/news/story/evidence-suggests-congo-ebola-outbreak-began-months-before-official-decl-9fd1a02b.htmlhttps://vertrix.cloud/news/story/evidence-suggests-congo-ebola-outbreak-began-months-before-official-decl-9fd1a02b.htmlWed, 16 Sep 2026 14:35:10 +0000Evidence reviewed by WHO, Africa CDC and researchers suggests Ebola may have circulated in northeastern Democratic Republic of Congo from February, months before authorities declared the outbreak on May 15. Delays in recognizing and reporting cases may have allowed wider spread, although some early deaths cannot be definitively linked to the virus.https://vertrix.cloud/news/story/arab-media-summit-expands-as-syria-s-president-urges-regional-calm-4b810709.htmlhttps://vertrix.cloud/news/story/arab-media-summit-expands-as-syria-s-president-urges-regional-calm-4b810709.htmlWed, 16 Sep 2026 14:16:41 +0000Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa opened the Arab Media Summit in Dubai, which organisers describe as the event’s largest edition. The summit also featured the UAE’s account of cyber-attacks during this year’s crisis and new figures showing growth in Dubai’s media sector.https://vertrix.cloud/news/story/houthi-pressure-on-red-sea-shipping-threatens-egypt-s-suez-canal-revenue-4c2d0703.htmlhttps://vertrix.cloud/news/story/houthi-pressure-on-red-sea-shipping-threatens-egypt-s-suez-canal-revenue-4c2d0703.htmlWed, 16 Sep 2026 14:04:09 +0000The Houthis’ growing presence around the Bab el-Mandeb Strait is putting pressure on Saudi Arabia while creating fresh economic risks for Egypt, whose Suez Canal income depends on maritime traffic. DW reports that Cairo is likely to favor diplomacy as it weighs its alliance with Riyadh against the dangers of further disruption.https://vertrix.cloud/news/story/reform-linked-thinktank-reportedly-plans-sweeping-tax-and-regulatory-cha-e69cba49.htmlhttps://vertrix.cloud/news/story/reform-linked-thinktank-reportedly-plans-sweeping-tax-and-regulatory-cha-e69cba49.htmlWed, 16 Sep 2026 13:40:59 +0000The Centre for a Better Britain is reportedly preparing proposals to abolish inheritance tax, phase out capital gains tax and reduce financial-sector regulation. The thinktank says reports based on an early draft contain inaccuracies and insists its final document will not propose unfunded tax cuts.https://vertrix.cloud/news/story/rights-groups-warn-of-widening-asset-seizures-in-iran-af3c3ae5.htmlhttps://vertrix.cloud/news/story/rights-groups-warn-of-widening-asset-seizures-in-iran-af3c3ae5.htmlWed, 16 Sep 2026 13:33:09 +0000Rights groups and analysts say Iranian authorities are increasingly confiscating property belonging to Baha’is, dissidents and critics at home and abroad. They describe the seizures as both a tool of intimidation and a source of limited revenue amid severe economic pressure.https://vertrix.cloud/news/story/poland-vows-stronger-security-measures-after-strike-near-ukraine-border-4abf6786.htmlhttps://vertrix.cloud/news/story/poland-vows-stronger-security-measures-after-strike-near-ukraine-border-4abf6786.htmlWed, 16 Sep 2026 13:17:29 +0000Polish leaders have reaffirmed support for Ukraine after a Russian drone attack destroyed a train locomotive and a gas station near the Poland-Ukraine border, according to DW. Warsaw says it is preparing a serious but nonprovocative response while seeking coordination with European allies, as public support for aid to Kyiv has declined.https://vertrix.cloud/news/story/poland-vows-stronger-security-measures-after-drone-strike-near-ukrainian-452e77f3.htmlhttps://vertrix.cloud/news/story/poland-vows-stronger-security-measures-after-drone-strike-near-ukrainian-452e77f3.htmlWed, 16 Sep 2026 13:02:08 +0000Polish leaders reaffirmed support for Ukraine after a Russian drone attack destroyed a train locomotive and a gas station near the Poland-Ukraine border, according to DW. Warsaw said it was preparing a serious but non-provocative response while public backing for military aid has declined since 2022.https://vertrix.cloud/news/story/evidence-suggests-congo-ebola-outbreak-began-months-before-official-decl-02f232bf.htmlhttps://vertrix.cloud/news/story/evidence-suggests-congo-ebola-outbreak-began-months-before-official-decl-02f232bf.htmlWed, 16 Sep 2026 12:46:53 +0000The Democratic Republic of Congo declared its Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak on May 15, but evidence cited by DW suggests infections may have begun as early as February. Health authorities and international organizations faced criticism over delays in recognizing and responding to the outbreak.https://vertrix.cloud/news/story/merz-faces-growing-pressure-as-cdu-support-falls-04db6308.htmlhttps://vertrix.cloud/news/story/merz-faces-growing-pressure-as-cdu-support-falls-04db6308.htmlWed, 16 Sep 2026 12:31:19 +0000German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is facing renewed doubts after the CDU’s defeat in Saxony-Anhalt and weak polling ahead of a state election in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. Despite criticism within the governing coalition, the party has no broadly supported successor and all eight CDU state premiers have publicly backed him.https://vertrix.cloud/news/story/belarus-to-free-25-prisoners-under-interim-deal-with-us-a9f8c0f9.htmlhttps://vertrix.cloud/news/story/belarus-to-free-25-prisoners-under-interim-deal-with-us-a9f8c0f9.htmlWed, 16 Sep 2026 12:16:00 +0000Belarus has agreed to release 25 prisoners as the United States prepares to ease sanctions on two companies, US envoy John Coale said. The sides also plan further talks on additional releases and sanctions, while rights group Viasna says more than 900 political prisoners remain detained.https://vertrix.cloud/news/story/evidence-suggests-congo-ebola-outbreak-began-months-before-official-decl-573c4454.htmlhttps://vertrix.cloud/news/story/evidence-suggests-congo-ebola-outbreak-began-months-before-official-decl-573c4454.htmlWed, 16 Sep 2026 12:00:10 +0000Investigators and health officials say Ebola may have circulated in northeastern Democratic Republic of Congo from February, well before the outbreak was declared on May 15. Delays in recognizing and reporting cases may have allowed the disease to spread, according to the Africa CDC, WHO and other cited sources.https://vertrix.cloud/news/story/mine-collapse-in-sudan-s-west-kordofan-kills-at-least-67-reports-say-0a2ff199.htmlhttps://vertrix.cloud/news/story/mine-collapse-in-sudan-s-west-kordofan-kills-at-least-67-reports-say-0a2ff199.htmlWed, 16 Sep 2026 11:54:54 +0000At least 67 people were killed when the al-Zara gold mine collapsed in West Kordofan, according to a medical group and survivors cited by France 24. Rescue efforts were continuing, with people still reported missing or trapped beneath the rubble.https://vertrix.cloud/news/story/saudi-oil-shipment-delays-to-europe-remain-unconfirmed-after-pipeline-sh-80f241bb.htmlhttps://vertrix.cloud/news/story/saudi-oil-shipment-delays-to-europe-remain-unconfirmed-after-pipeline-sh-80f241bb.htmlWed, 16 Sep 2026 11:50:52 +0000Saudi Arabia has not commented on reports that crude shipments to some European refiners were cancelled or delayed after drone strikes prompted a precautionary shutdown of its East-West pipeline. Argus reported that at least three refiners faced postponed cargoes, while the overall impact remained unclear.https://vertrix.cloud/news/story/germany-s-cdu-state-premiers-rally-behind-merz-amid-leadership-pressure-cee4f227.htmlhttps://vertrix.cloud/news/story/germany-s-cdu-state-premiers-rally-behind-merz-amid-leadership-pressure-cee4f227.htmlWed, 16 Sep 2026 11:44:39 +0000All eight CDU state premiers and Bavaria’s Markus Söder have backed Chancellor Friedrich Merz after the party’s poor election result in Saxony-Anhalt. The governing coalition is also considering rapid measures to ease record fuel prices, though parties remain divided over the form of assistance.https://vertrix.cloud/news/story/duterte-appears-in-person-at-icc-hearing-over-fitness-for-trial-0d56bacd.htmlhttps://vertrix.cloud/news/story/duterte-appears-in-person-at-icc-hearing-over-fitness-for-trial-0d56bacd.htmlWed, 16 Sep 2026 11:29:11 +0000Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte appeared before International Criminal Court judges for the first time in person as they considered claims about his memory and health. Duterte denies crimes-against-humanity charges linked to his anti-drug campaign; prosecutors say he is fit to exercise his trial rights.https://vertrix.cloud/news/story/merz-faces-mounting-pressure-after-cdu-election-defeat-but-no-clear-succ-d8f0ad48.htmlhttps://vertrix.cloud/news/story/merz-faces-mounting-pressure-after-cdu-election-defeat-but-no-clear-succ-d8f0ad48.htmlWed, 16 Sep 2026 11:13:29 +0000German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is under growing pressure after the CDU’s poor result in Saxony-Anhalt and weak polling in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. Yet party figures have offered no broadly supported alternative, while eight CDU state premiers publicly backed him and urged unity.https://vertrix.cloud/news/story/us-charges-five-over-alleged-russian-intelligence-plots-0dbde7b8.htmlhttps://vertrix.cloud/news/story/us-charges-five-over-alleged-russian-intelligence-plots-0dbde7b8.htmlWed, 16 Sep 2026 10:57:49 +0000The US Justice Department has charged five men accused of carrying out surveillance and planning targeted killings for Russian intelligence in the United States and Europe. The allegations, including murder-for-hire schemes and attacks on infrastructure, were announced after a DW investigation identified one defendant as a salsa teacher in Russia.https://vertrix.cloud/news/story/us-imposes-visa-restrictions-on-south-africans-over-disputed-race-claims-4e6b95f8.htmlhttps://vertrix.cloud/news/story/us-imposes-visa-restrictions-on-south-africans-over-disputed-race-claims-4e6b95f8.htmlWed, 16 Sep 2026 10:42:30 +0000The United States has announced visa restrictions targeting South African nationals accused by Secretary of State Marco Rubio of promoting racial discrimination, inciting violence or enabling uncompensated land confiscation. Pretoria rejects claims that white South Africans face systemic discrimination, while Washington says the measures could expand.https://vertrix.cloud/news/story/wef-warns-gender-parity-progress-remains-vulnerable-despite-record-gains-1e0be44e.htmlhttps://vertrix.cloud/news/story/wef-warns-gender-parity-progress-remains-vulnerable-despite-record-gains-1e0be44e.htmlWed, 16 Sep 2026 10:27:05 +0000The World Economic Forum says global gender parity has reached 69.2%, but full equality could still be 120 years away. Its 2026 report highlights declining female political representation, persistent gaps in senior leadership and a shortage of women in artificial-intelligence roles.https://vertrix.cloud/news/story/german-miniseries-examines-failures-before-berlin-christmas-market-attac-b1fa3729.htmlhttps://vertrix.cloud/news/story/german-miniseries-examines-failures-before-berlin-christmas-market-attac-b1fa3729.htmlWed, 16 Sep 2026 10:11:53 +0000“Blindspot Berlin” dramatizes the investigation into Anis Amri before his 2016 truck attack at Berlin’s Breitscheidplatz. Based on the case and a parliamentary inquiry, the series focuses on missed warnings, poor coordination and institutional shortcomings while avoiding unsupported speculation, its producers told DW.https://vertrix.cloud/news/story/kosovo-tribunal-sentences-former-president-hashim-thaci-to-25-years-e1fb5a77.htmlhttps://vertrix.cloud/news/story/kosovo-tribunal-sentences-former-president-hashim-thaci-to-25-years-e1fb5a77.htmlWed, 16 Sep 2026 09:56:29 +0000The Kosovo Specialist Chambers sentenced former President Hashim Thaci to 25 years for war crimes and crimes against humanity linked to crimes committed by the Kosovo Liberation Army during the 1998-1999 war. The tribunal convicted him over murders, illegal detention and torture, while his defense denied he controlled the alleged acts.https://vertrix.cloud/news/story/kosovo-tribunal-sentences-former-president-hashim-thaci-to-25-years-428171be.htmlhttps://vertrix.cloud/news/story/kosovo-tribunal-sentences-former-president-hashim-thaci-to-25-years-428171be.htmlWed, 16 Sep 2026 09:41:09 +0000The Kosovo Specialist Chambers sentenced former President Hashim Thaci to 25 years for war crimes and crimes against humanity linked to alleged abuses by the Kosovo Liberation Army during the 1998-1999 war. Thaci’s defense denied that senior KLA leaders controlled the perpetrators or that evidence directly connected him to the crimes.https://vertrix.cloud/news/story/houthis-claim-saudi-fighter-jet-downed-as-riyadh-warns-of-retaliation-c3b389d1.htmlhttps://vertrix.cloud/news/story/houthis-claim-saudi-fighter-jet-downed-as-riyadh-warns-of-retaliation-c3b389d1.htmlWed, 16 Sep 2026 09:20:47 +0000Yemen’s Houthis said they shot down a Saudi F-15 using a locally made air-to-air missile, while denying that their operations targeted Mecca. Saudi Arabia’s coalition warned it would take deterrent measures after alerts over possible attacks near the holy city and strikes that wounded 13 people in the kingdom’s south, according to Euronews.https://vertrix.cloud/news/story/saudi-arabia-condemns-alleged-attempted-attack-near-mecca-as-houthis-den-9d9b7f4d.htmlhttps://vertrix.cloud/news/story/saudi-arabia-condemns-alleged-attempted-attack-near-mecca-as-houthis-den-9d9b7f4d.htmlWed, 16 Sep 2026 09:04:27 +0000Saudi Arabia accused Yemen’s Houthi rebels of attempting to attack Mecca, calling the incident a red line. Regional countries condemned the alleged attack, while the Houthis denied carrying it out and there was no reported indication of military support, NPR reported.https://vertrix.cloud/news/story/eu-opens-discussion-on-possible-canadian-associate-membership-5544a314.htmlhttps://vertrix.cloud/news/story/eu-opens-discussion-on-possible-canadian-associate-membership-5544a314.htmlWed, 16 Sep 2026 08:54:02 +0000European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the European Union could create an associate-member status for Canada, whose prime minister was attending her address. The proposal comes as both sides seek closer cooperation on security, trade, raw materials and other strategic issues.https://vertrix.cloud/news/story/climate-extremes-are-raising-costs-and-squeezing-incomes-studies-find-774c5004.htmlhttps://vertrix.cloud/news/story/climate-extremes-are-raising-costs-and-squeezing-incomes-studies-find-774c5004.htmlWed, 16 Sep 2026 08:38:09 +0000Research cited by DW links a warming climate to higher household expenses, weaker productivity and disruption across supply chains. Analysts say adaptation and emissions cuts are both needed to limit further economic damage.https://vertrix.cloud/news/story/us-russia-sanctions-bill-could-expose-india-to-tariffs-of-up-to-100-65a5076a.htmlhttps://vertrix.cloud/news/story/us-russia-sanctions-bill-could-expose-india-to-tariffs-of-up-to-100-65a5076a.htmlWed, 16 Sep 2026 08:22:29 +0000A bill advancing in the US House would give President Donald Trump authority to impose tariffs of up to 100% on countries buying Russian oil and gas. DW says the measure could put pressure on India-US relations because India is a major consumer of Russian energy.https://vertrix.cloud/news/story/germany-weighs-relief-as-fuel-prices-anger-drivers-f0325a73.htmlhttps://vertrix.cloud/news/story/germany-weighs-relief-as-fuel-prices-anger-drivers-f0325a73.htmlWed, 16 Sep 2026 08:06:54 +0000Fuel prices in Germany have surged, with motorists facing sharp increases and limited alternatives in rural areas. Chancellor Friedrich Merz has promised action, but coalition partners remain divided over tax relief, direct payments, price caps and a possible excess-profits tax.