Last Over

The last US forces have left Iraq, ending a military presence of more than two decades that began with the 2003 invasion. The withdrawal marks the close of a long and costly American chapter in the country. Analysts warn the departure could create a power vacuum in Baghdad and expand Iranian influence over Iraq's politics and security.

Plug-in electric vehicles accounted for roughly one in four new cars sold worldwide last year, according to figures highlighted by InsideEVs. The share suggests that talk of an EV slowdown may be overstated, with electric and plug-in hybrid models continuing to take market share from combustion cars despite headlines about slowing demand in some markets.

India and the West Indies are playing the first One Day International of their 2026 series, with live coverage focused on the last 30 overs of the match. Cricket followers are tracking ball-by-ball scores and commentary as the game reaches its decisive late stages, making it one of the most-watched sports events of the day.

The FBI arrested Wanying Zhang in California for acting as an unregistered agent of the People's Republic of China, according to a statement from the First Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Central District of California. Prosecutors say Zhang came to the United States last year to conduct activities on behalf of Beijing. The case adds to a series of recent U.S. prosecutions involving alleged undisclosed foreign agents, and observers are watching for further details about her alleged assignments.

An Atlantic essay argues that the United States is experiencing a broad, sustained decline in crime, with drops recorded in cities and regions nationwide rather than in isolated places. The piece frames this as a 'great crime decline' happening all across the country, and the argument is drawing wide attention and debate about its causes and durability.

Brazilians with an expired Carteira Nacional de Habilitação (CNH) are being told they may no longer face the strict 30-day rule for renewal. Reports say drivers whose licences have lapsed could gain a new deadline to regularise their status without retaking full exams. Motorists across Brazil are discussing what the change means for them, how long the grace period would last, and when it takes effect, with local outlets amplifying the news.

A dozen hawker centres in Southeast Asia's second-largest economy are closing this month for cleaning, according to a VnExpress International report. The closures are aimed at hygiene improvements, though it is not specified which stalls or vendors are affected or how long the shutdowns will last.

The US Supreme Court has lifted a stay, allowing Tennessee to proceed with the execution of Christa Pike. Pike was convicted of a 1995 murder committed while she was a student at the Tennessee Preparatory School in Knoxville, and has spent decades on death row, at one point the youngest woman in the US under a death sentence. The decision clears the last legal barrier and state officials can now schedule the execution.

Regional leaders of Spain's Socialist Party (PSOE) are pressing Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez to call a general election now. Speaking to El Mundo, they argue there is "a window of opportunity now that citizens have awoken," reflecting internal concern that the party's current momentum in the polls may not last and that delaying a vote could cost them.

Morocco's national football team, the Atlas Lions, are preparing for their final match before a major fixture against Mali. Sports outlet Mountakhab reports the squad is ready for this last tuning-up game ahead of the Mali clash. Fans in Morocco and Mali are following the buildup closely as both sides finalise their line-ups.

China has halted diesel exports and India is holding refined product back from the market, while the United States continues draining the last of its Strategic Petroleum Reserve and presses allies to open their own reserves. The moves come despite the Strait of Hormuz remaining open and Saudi Arabia pumping at high levels, prompting skepticism among commentators about official explanations for the fuel squeeze and growing concern over global diesel supply.

An unplanned incident occurred during the taping of TF1's midday game show Les 12 coups de midi, hosted by Jean-Luc Reichmann. According to French media, a contestant arrived as an emergency replacement after an unexpected situation, forcing last-minute changes to the October 4, 2026 episode. Outlets including Voici and Soirmag are covering the story, drawing attention to the popular quiz show.

Colorado Springs' housing market is tilting in buyers' favor, according to local reporting. The shift suggests conditions such as rising inventory or easing prices are giving purchasers more negotiating power than they had during the city's recent seller-dominated market. The report does not specify the scale of the change or how long it may last.

Four young people have been reported missing in Singapore in separate cases over three days, according to local news reports. The latest is a 16-year-old boy last seen in the Balestier area. Police have not publicly linked the cases, but the cluster of disappearances in such a short span has drawn attention online.

Bloomberg's Mark Gurman reports that John Ternus, who took over as Apple's chief executive last month, has made product design a "major priority." Gurman says Ternus already had ties to Apple's design studio from his time leading hardware engineering, and is now giving the design team greater attention at the top of the company.

The China Open tennis tournament in Beijing is generating major headlines worldwide. Novak Djokovic broke a Rafael Nadal record with a strong start to the tournament, while Alexander Zverev cruised into the quarter-finals after a 55-minute win over wildcard Shang. In the women's draw, Bartunkova stunned top seed Aryna Sabalenka to reach the last 16, and Alex de Minaur advanced to the quarter-finals.

Viewers in Mexico are following the final stretch of La Casa de los Famosos, the popular reality show. Attention is on its penultimate day, with fans speculating about the last eliminations and who will win the competition. Coverage and social media chatter are focused on the finalists' strategies and the outcome of the grand final.

Carlos Alcaraz returned to action at the Japan Open in Tokyo, winning on day two of the tournament. The day also marked the start of what Kei Nishikori has indicated will be the final event of his career, giving the home crowd a last chance to see the Japanese former world number three compete. Highlights from the day's matches are drawing strong attention from tennis fans worldwide.

Formula 1 fans are discussing the calendar following news of the series' return to Sepang in Malaysia. RACER reports a rough start for F1's comeback at the circuit, a venue that last hosted a grand prix in 2017 before being dropped from the schedule. Attention is on how the race will fit into the wider season calendar.

Brazil's presidential election is drawing international attention, with coverage focusing on former president Lula da Silva as the left's main candidate. The Wall Street Journal describes Lula as both the Brazilian left's last hope and its biggest problem, while CNN reports that Donald Trump, crime and corruption are key issues overshadowing the vote. Observers are weighing Lula's political comeback against the controversies surrounding the race.

The yield on the 10-year US Treasury note has risen above 5.3%, a level last reached roughly 24 years ago around the turn of the century. The surge in borrowing costs is drawing renewed attention to pressure on stock valuations, mortgage rates and government debt servicing, with investors weighing what persistently higher yields mean for markets and the broader economy.

Spain are playing the Czech Republic in a UEFA Nations League match, with confirmed line-ups and late team news dominating previews in Spanish media. Outlets such as La Vanguardia are running full build-ups covering the expected starting elevens and last-minute updates, and interest is high in both Spain and the United States, where the fixture is also trending among fans following the international window.

Drivers on the A92 motorway near Freising, Bavaria, face restrictions at the Attaching junction today, 26 September 2026. Local news is alerting commuters to expect disruption on the busy route, which connects Munich to the airport area, with no details yet on how long the measures will last.

Shoppers are noticing unusually high prices for Halloween candy as the holiday approaches. Rising cocoa costs, sugar tariffs and general inflation have pushed candy prices well above last year's levels, and consumers are venting about the cost of trick-or-treating staples. Retailers are responding with promotions, but many families say they are buying less or skipping candy altogether this season.

Joyn has revealed the last couple joining the cast of Promi Big Brother 2026. T-Online reports that a married celebrity pair completes the lineup for the upcoming season of the German reality show, which airs on the streaming platform. The announcement rounds out a casting process that has been rolled out gradually, drawing attention from fans speculating about the full 2026 roster.

The Detroit Lions have elevated a defensive back from the practice squad ahead of their Sunday Night Football game against the Carolina Panthers. The roster move gives the team extra depth in the secondary for the primetime matchup. Fans are discussing the move and what it could mean for the Lions' defensive plans as they prepare for the nationally televised game.

Death row inmate Christa Pike has declined her last meal and asked that the money instead benefit homeless people, the Tagesspiegel reports. The decision by the American prisoner, one of the few women on death row in the United States, is drawing attention and mixed reactions as her case attracts renewed public interest.