Lucas

Russia is planning to spend $202.58 billion on its military in 2027, an increase of roughly 27%, with $591 billion earmarked for defence over the next three years. The figures come alongside news that Russia's budget deficit has risen to 3.2% of GDP, double the 1.6% projected in official estimates, prompting discussion about how long the country can sustain war-driven spending.

Germany's Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul met his Russian counterpart for the first time since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine began. Wadephul told Moscow that Russia must end its war of aggression against Ukraine and cease hostile actions against Germany and its allies, saying Germany stands firmly behind Ukraine.

Lucasfilm has tapped Jon Watts to direct its next Star Wars movie. Watts is best known for helming Marvel's Spider-Man trilogy starring Tom Holland. Details on the film's plot and release timing have not been announced, and the news was reported by The Hollywood Reporter.

Discussion is focusing on the Irish Government's actions over Israel and Palestine, framed against Ireland's own history. The debate covers the extent of Dublin's measures alongside other states, from recognising the State of Palestine to banning goods from Israeli settlements in the West Bank, with critics and supporters weighing what more Ireland could do.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres has spoken to Dublin's NewsTalk about the United Nations' failure to deal with individual leaders causing global disruption and instability. The remarks come as China's Xi Jinping visits Donald Trump, with Guterres suggesting major powers are taking advantage of weaknesses in the international system. The interview is drawing attention to questions about the UN's influence at a moment of heightened geopolitical tension.

Jon Watts, director of the recent Spider-Man films, has been announced as the director of a new Star Wars movie for Lucasfilm. The project is reported to have the potential to continue the Skywalker Saga. Details on plot, cast and release timing have not yet been revealed, and fans are speculating about how the film might connect to the existing story.

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.

Attention is turning to France's football squad ahead of the match against Belgium. L'Équipe highlights the team selection, raising the possibility that Andy Diouf and Lucas Da Cunha could get their chance in the game. Supporters are debating whether the midfield options chosen by the France staff will be enough against a strong Belgian side.

Brooklyn Democratic Party chair Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn has endorsed Nikki Lucas to succeed her as the party's leader. Lucas, a Brooklyn elected official, now emerges as the frontrunner to take control of the county committee, a powerful position in New York politics. The endorsement sets the stage for the party's future leadership as Bichotte Hermelyn steps back from the role.

Between 1907 and 1928, a retired man in Lucas, Kansas, constructed a home and surrounding garden entirely from concrete, leaving behind more than 150 sculptures. The site is being highlighted as a remarkable example of American folk art, drawing renewed attention to the eccentric monument and its creator's decades-long concrete-building project.

The Herald-Dispatch has published the latest community news column by Brenda Lucas, covering local announcements and happenings for Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2026. The Features/Entertainment item gathers routine community updates from the Huntington, West Virginia area, continuing the paper's long-running local news feature.

Norway has pledged an additional $2.6 million to humanitarian programmes in Ukraine, with funding directed toward deported Ukrainian children, prisoners of war, and detained civilians. The programmes are overseen by UNICEF and the Red Cross, and the announcement is being shared amid ongoing attention to the war and Norway's continued support for Ukraine.