Today

Vladimir Putin has signed a decree immediately increasing the size of the Russian armed forces to 2,441,630 personnel, including 1,550,500 military personnel. The decree replaces all previous ones on army strength and marks the seventh such expansion of Russian force levels since the start of the war in Ukraine.

SpaceX is attempting to launch its Starship megarocket to orbit for the first time ever today, September 28, with live coverage available. The launch marks a major milestone for the vehicle, the most powerful rocket ever built, which is central to SpaceX's plans for deep-space missions and to NASA's lunar ambitions. Space watchers worldwide are following the attempt closely.

Finland's President addressed the United Nations General Assembly with a speech being widely shared as a clear-eyed explanation of today's global disorder. The address has drawn large audiences internationally, with many calling it essential viewing for understanding current geopolitical tensions and the state of the international order.

Beijing has published its official statement on today's meeting between Xi Jinping and Donald Trump at the White House, while Washington has yet to release its own account. The Chinese readout is described as short but unusually dense, and observers are combing it for signals on trade and bilateral ties ahead of the US version.

Pope Leo concluded his trip to France with a message aimed squarely at European leaders, urging the continent to resist the 'desire for domination' he says is driving today's wars. The appeal came as the closing note of his visit, framing Europe's role as one of restraint and peace-making at a time of ongoing conflict.

News18 India's live coverage is tracking a dispute involving the Election Commission and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, alongside reports of a Houthi attack and rising US-Iran tensions. The broadcast bundles several developing international and domestic stories. No further details on the specifics of any of these events are available in the current evidence.

India are playing Japan in the first T20I of a 2026 cricket series, with live score and commentary drawing heavy attention from fans. A cricket match between India and Japan is an unusual fixture at this level, which is driving curiosity alongside normal match interest. Viewers are following the game's progress ball by ball as the contest unfolds.

Cricket fans are following live ball-by-ball commentary as India take on Japan in the first T20 international of their 2026 series. A Japan–India men's T20 meeting would be a rare fixture, and interest in the match is high, with the live score coverage drawing large audiences as the game unfolds today.

US stock index futures are edging lower, with S&P 500 futures slipping as weak consumer sentiment data and lingering inflation concerns weigh on investor mood. Traders are cautious ahead of upcoming economic readings, with markets watching whether price pressures continue to ease or force a more restrictive policy stance from the Federal Reserve.

Spain's government representative in Ceuta resigned after months of scrutiny over the city's handling of the migration crisis. Ceuta, one of the EU's only two land borders with Africa, bordering Morocco, saw a massive surge in late July when more than 72,000 migrants crossed into the Spanish enclave. The resignation adds pressure on Madrid over its migration and border policy.

US Immigration and Customs Enforcement is reportedly experiencing a record number of firings and resignations, according to a USA Today report. The story outlines what is driving departures from the agency and what the losses could mean for its operations and staffing. Details on exact numbers, roles affected and the reasons behind the exodus remain limited in the available coverage.

The US Department of Transportation has finalized plans to weaken federal fuel efficiency standards, describing the move as one of the largest deregulatory actions of the second Trump Administration. The decision rolls back Biden-era rules that would have required carmakers to raise fleet-wide average fuel economy, easing pressure on automakers while drawing criticism from climate and consumer advocates.

Mauricio Pochettino has spoken out after Manchester City were found guilty of charges brought by the English Premier League, according to USA Today. The US Soccer coach's comments add a managerial perspective to a case that has dominated football debate, with clubs and pundits weighing in on what the ruling means for City and the league's financial rules.

India and the West Indies are meeting in the first One Day International of their 2026 series, with live scores and ball-by-ball commentary running as the match unfolds. Cricket fans are following the game closely today, tracking every run and wicket in real time, and discussion of the contest is drawing large engagement worldwide.

Wall Street coverage on September 29, 2026 points to a firmer tone in oil markets and a temporary halt to the recent selloff in bonds. The Wall Street Journal's live markets coverage is tracking the Dow, S&P 500 and Nasdaq as investors weigh energy prices against easing pressure in the Treasury market.

A nationwide cheese recall has been announced following an E. coli outbreak, according to a report from Today. The recall covers products sold across the country, and consumers are being urged to check whether cheese they have at home is affected. Details on the brands involved, the number of illnesses, and which states have reported cases were not included in the initial coverage.

US Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito has recused himself from a landmark climate change case before the court. News outlets including USA Today and the Detroit Free Press reported his decision to step aside, though neither report detailed his reasons or which case is involved. His absence could affect the outcome, leaving potentially eight justices to decide a matter with major implications for climate regulation.

A new commentary argues that AI companies could learn from how nuclear weapons programs developed safety protocols, international treaties and control regimes after 1945. The author suggests parallels between managing dangerous emerging technologies and today's race to build powerful artificial intelligence, warning that safety measures should not be an afterthought as capabilities advance.

India Women and Sri Lanka Women are facing off in a cricket final, with fans gathering in live chat spaces to follow the match ball by ball. Streams and fan discussions around the game are drawing large audiences, reflecting strong interest in the women's final between the two South Asian rivals.

Five European Union member states are planning to send rejected asylum seekers to countries outside the bloc starting in 2027, according to an EU Today report. The scheme reflects a broader tightening of EU migration policy, with governments seeking third countries willing to accept deported migrants whose asylum claims have failed. Critics are likely to raise concerns about the legality and ethics of such returns.

Voting for the Ballon d'Or closed today, with fans and media debating who will win football's top individual award. Spanish outlet El Confidencial ran through the leading candidates and confirmed the date of the awards gala. Attention now turns to the ceremony, where the winner will be revealed, with supporters arguing over the merits of the main contenders.

India and the West Indies are playing the first One Day International of their 2026 bilateral series, with live scores and ball-by-ball commentary drawing heavy attention from cricket fans. The match is generating large audiences tracking every run and wicket as the two sides open the tour.

Gold prices fell on Monday, September 28, 2026, even as rising tensions involving Iran pushed oil prices higher. The divergence is drawing attention from investors, since gold often rises during geopolitical uncertainty, and analysts are weighing whether profit-taking or dollar strength is behind the pullback. Traders are watching whether the precious metal resumes its safe-haven role if the standoff escalates.

The average price of a gallon of gasoline in the United States has crossed the $4 mark, according to state-by-state price tracking. The milestone adds to pressure on household budgets and keeps fuel costs a live political and economic issue, with drivers watching for relief at the pump.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is holding talks with Qatari mediators in New York today. Qatar has positioned itself as a key intermediary between Tehran and Western capitals amid ongoing tensions over Iran's nuclear program and regional conflicts. The meeting, on the sidelines of United Nations activity, is being watched for signals on whether diplomacy between Iran and the United States could resume.

Mortgage rates were moving mostly higher on Sept. 29, 2026, according to Fortune's daily rate tracking. The continued upward drift matters for prospective homebuyers facing higher borrowing costs and for homeowners weighing whether to refinance. Rate watchers typically tie such moves to expectations about inflation and central bank policy, though the report itself offers no specific figures or causes beyond the trend.

India are playing Japan in a T20 cricket match being followed live today, with fans tracking the score and discussing the game in real time. A India–Japan fixture is an unusual pairing in international cricket, which is drawing attention beyond常规 followers of the sport.

Belgium and France are set to meet on the football pitch, and searches for the fixture are surging in Brazil. Sports outlets are listing the match among today's live football schedule, with broadcast information and kickoff times for fans. Both European sides are regular contenders in major international competitions, giving the fixture added weight.

Pope Leo is wrapping up a four-day visit to France with meetings and a closing mass in the eastern city of Metz before returning to Rome. The papal trip has drawn live coverage from international news outlets, with audiences following the final events of the visit and the Pope's addresses during his stay in the country.

US stock futures pointed higher, with S&P 500 futures rising as investors brace for upcoming jobs data. Traders are on edge about what the labor market numbers could signal for the Federal Reserve's interest rate path, making the report a key driver of near-term market direction.