Homecoming

Disney has hired Jon Watts, director of the Spider-Man: Homecoming trilogy, to helm the first film in a new Star Wars trilogy set in the Skywalker saga era. The announcement drew widespread coverage across entertainment outlets, with fans weighing in on whether Watts can repeat his Marvel success in the Star Wars universe.

Vietnamese military doctors have returned home after completing their peacekeeping deployment in South Sudan. The homecoming marks the end of their mission providing medical services as part of Vietnam's contributions to United Nations peacekeeping operations, and the returning medics are being warmly received and praised for their service abroad.

Alexander McQueen is returning to London Fashion Week after 25 years away, in a significant homecoming for one of Britain's most celebrated fashion houses. The brand, founded by the late Lee McQueen and now part of the Kering group, had long shown its collections in Paris. The move is being read as a boost for London's standing on the global fashion calendar and a tribute to the label's British roots.

Surfer Kanoa Igarashi, who competed for Japan at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics held near his family's home region, is preparing for what would be a second Olympic homecoming when surfing returns at the Los Angeles 2028 Games, close to his California roots. The Japanese-American surfer says he is now entering his prime competitive years as he builds toward the event.

Vietnamese peacekeepers deployed with the United Nations mission in South Sudan have arrived back in Vietnam, greeted by emotional, tearful reunions with family members. The personnel had served as part of Vietnam's contribution to UN peacekeeping operations, and the homecoming has drawn attention to the country's growing role in international peacekeeping missions.

Spain beat Croatia 4-1 in Seville in a UEFA Nations League match, with teenager Lamine Yamal the standout performer. The Barcelona winger scored and broke a record previously held by Raul, achieving what no European player had managed in 66 years. The result forms part of Spain's World Cup homecoming celebrations, and outlets worldwide are hailing Yamal as the game's new star.

A unit of Vietnamese peacekeepers has arrived back in Vietnam after completing a one-year deployment with the UN peacekeeping mission in South Sudan. The returning personnel served as part of Vietnam's growing contribution to international peacekeeping operations. Vietnamese state media reported the homecoming, highlighting the country's continued participation in UN missions abroad and the experience gained by its troops during the deployment.

Spain defeated Croatia in a UEFA Nations League match that drew worldwide attention. Lamine Yamal scored twice, including a goal described as a 'work of art' built from 26 touches in 70 seconds, and set a 106-year international record as Spain celebrated its World Cup homecoming. Mikel Oyarzabal also featured prominently, while Luka Modric was left out of Croatia's starting line-up. The match is trending in searches across Europe, Asia and Latin America.

Alexander McQueen will show its Spring/Summer 2027 collection at London Fashion Week, marking the house's return to the city where it was founded. The move is being framed as a significant moment for the British label and a boost for the London schedule, which has sought high-profile names to anchor its runway calendar. Fashion watchers are anticipating what the homecoming show will signal for the brand's creative direction.

The US Coast Guard Cutter Escanaba has returned to its home port in Portsmouth, Virginia, after a deployment in which its crew seized more than a reported haul of illicit contraband, typically narcotics interdicted at sea. The homecoming marks the end of the patrol, with the Coast Guard highlighting the crew's interdiction work in support of counter-smuggling operations.

Auburn University held its Gameday Physics event, bringing science demonstrations to hundreds of attendees ahead of the Homecoming football kickoff. The outreach program uses the excitement of game day to engage fans, families and students with physics in an accessible, entertaining setting, drawing a large crowd on campus before the game.

The US Navy destroyer USS Frank Petersen Jr. has returned home after a 10-month deployment, including 40 days of continuous combat operations. During the deployment the ship warded off scores of Iranian missiles and drones, highlighting the scale of air-defense duties US warships have taken on in the region. The safe return is being welcomed as a sign of the crew's endurance and the destroyer's defensive performance under sustained attack.

A paralyzed dog with a large online following has been discharged from the hospital and returned home after an extended stay for treatment. Fans who have tracked the dog's health updates on social media are celebrating the news, with many expressing relief that the long-awaited homecoming has finally happened.

Colorado State's men's basketball team will hold a scrimmage as part of the university's Homecoming festivities, giving fans a free early look at the roster ahead of the new season. The event is billed as a family-friendly campus celebration, with the team expected to sign autographs and interact with supporters after the on-court action.