Spot

The contest to choose the next United Nations secretary-general is under way, with the role increasingly framed as that of a 'mediator-in-chief' for a divided world. Commentators say the race highlights the crises the organisation faces, from wars to funding shortfalls, and the pressure on whoever succeeds António Guterres to restore the UN's diplomatic credibility.

A US visa dispute has intensified scrutiny of Sudanese army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan's legitimacy as the country's de facto leader, a Sudan expert says, according to The National. The row comes as Sudan's civil war between the army and the Rapid Support Forces continues to displace millions and deepen a humanitarian crisis.

England defeated world champions Spain 3-2 at Wembley Stadium in a Nations League match in London. The win over the reigning world champions is being highlighted as a significant result for the England side, coming in front of a home crowd and in one of European football's top international competitions.

EUobserver reports that a Chinese company best known for smart sex toys supplied components or technology used in Russian weapons systems deployed against Ukraine. The investigation highlights a blind spot in EU sanctions enforcement, as dual-use electronics routed through third countries and intermediary firms continue to reach Russia despite restrictions.

Vancouver Whitecaps FC are hosting D.C. United in a Major League Soccer match at BC Place, with playoff implications on the line. Vancouver enter Matchday 28 knowing a result could secure their postseason spot, while Eastern Conference side D.C. United visit as part of the BC Soccer Youth & Family Match presented by REMAX. The game is being broadcast on Apple TV.

The Philadelphia Phillies head into the last day of the MLB regular season at risk of one of the most remarkable collapses in recent playoff-race history. Once comfortably positioned, the team's late-season slide has left their postseason fate hanging on the final games, and sports outlets are framing it as an almost unthinkable choke as fans watch the standings closely.

Breaking Bad has taken the number one spot on a new ranking of the 100 best TV shows of all time. The Vince Gilligan-created crime drama, which ran from 2008 to 2013 and starred Bryan Cranston as Walter White, beat out long-running classics and newer prestige series for the top position. The list is sparking debate among viewers about whether the show deserves the crown.

The AL West division title and the final National League wild card spot are the key remaining prizes in the 2026 MLB playoff race, according to FOX Sports. With the postseason approaching, the latest standings leave both battles unresolved, keeping several teams' October hopes alive and making the final stretch of the regular season decisive for clubs chasing a playoff berth.

Shohei Ohtani hit an infield single to first base in his third at-bat as the Los Angeles Dodgers faced the San Francisco Giants on September 27 during the 2026 MLB season. Japanese baseball fans are sharing highlights of the play, tracking Ohtani's form as the regular season nears its end.

England are taking on world champions Spain in a UEFA Nations League match at Wembley, a fixture drawing global interest. Thomas Tuchel has started Manchester City keeper James Trafford ahead of Jordan Pickford, sparking debate over England's number one spot. Lamine Yamal capitalised on a City player's error, and Spain coach Luis de la Fuente says his side's success is driven by hunger to improve.

A shooting at an ICE facility in Austin has drawn attention to how immigration enforcement is changing under the Trump administration. Local coverage links the incident to broader policy shifts, including expanded detention and deportation operations. The attack has intensified debate over the safety of immigration officers and the consequences of harder-line enforcement rhetoric and practice.

The Arizona Diamondbacks enter the final day of the MLB regular season still fighting for a playoff spot, needing both a win in their own game and favorable results elsewhere to reach the postseason. Their fate is no longer fully in their hands, making the season's last day a tense, must-watch moment for fans tracking multiple scores at once.

Evgeni Semenenko won the men's event at the ISU Challenger Series Nepela Memorial 2026, holding onto his lead after the free skate to take the title. Olympic champion Mikhail Shaidorov finished third, missing out on the top spot in Bratislava. The result gives Semenenko an early-season international victory as the figure skating season builds toward major championships.

UiTM Holdings is under scrutiny by Malaysia's anti-corruption agency, the MACC, over a payment of RM42 million linked to a solar project. The payment is being questioned as part of the agency's examination of the deal. Further details about the project, those involved, or the status of the investigation have not yet been made public.

The second quarter-final of the Asian Games Men's Cricket Competition is scheduled for 28 September 2026 at Nisshin. The fixture will decide one of the semi-final spots in the tournament, with Asian cricket-playing nations contesting the medal places. Fans and cricket outlets are following the schedule ahead of the knockout rounds.

Sudan defeated Tanzania 4-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in the final of the U20 AFCON qualifiers on September 24. The match was decided from the spot following a goalless outcome in extra time, with highlights of the goals and the penalty shootout drawing wide attention from East African football fans.

Singapore's national water agency PUB is urging the public to avoid numerous areas across the island because of flash flood risks. The advisory covers multiple locations as heavy rain raises the chance of sudden flooding, and residents are being told to stay clear of affected spots until conditions improve. The warning is drawing wide attention as Singaporeans check which areas are at risk.

The San Diego Padres have made a series of recent roster moves that carry major implications for how their playoff roster will look. As the postseason approaches, decisions on which players to keep or call up could shape the club's chances in October, and fans are weighing how the front office's choices might affect the team's run.

MLB.com has published an updated overview of the current Major League Baseball playoff picture, laying out the postseason bracket and explaining how tiebreakers would be applied if teams finish level in the standings. As the regular season nears its end, the breakdown clarifies which teams currently hold wild-card spots and division leads, and what scenarios could change seeding in the final days.

Milwaukee Brewers pitcher May has put forward a strong case for a spot in the team's postseason rotation, while the club continues to weigh its playoff pitching plans. The Brewers are deciding how to line up their starters ahead of the MLB postseason, and his recent performance has given the coaching staff something to consider.

The World Sauna Congress has convened in Oslo as interest in sauna culture grows worldwide, according to NPR reporting. The gathering brings attention to sauna traditions, health claims, and the rapid spread of sauna culture beyond its Nordic heartland. Details on attendees, agenda and specific outcomes remain limited in the available coverage.

The Philadelphia Phillies lost to the Tampa Bay Rays and failed again to clinch a National League Wild Card spot, leaving their playoff hopes riding on Sunday's regular-season finale. A win would secure a fifth consecutive postseason berth; a loss would leave their fate to other results. Fans are anxious after a late-season slump that has turned a once-comfortable position into a nail-biter.

The Los Angeles Chargers have placed offensive lineman Trey Pipkins on injured reserve ahead of their Week 3 matchup against the Buffalo Bills. To fill the roster spots, the team elevated quarterback DJ Uiagalelei, tight end Patrick Herbert, and linebacker Caleb Murphy to the active roster. The move signals a reshuffle of depth as the Chargers prepare for a tough early-season game.