Pick Mix

Kumar Kushagra, the young Jharkhand wicketkeeper-batter, is being discussed as a possible surprise pick in India's ODI squad for the series against New Zealand. Reports say selectors are looking closely at India A performers, with Kushagra among the names in the mix ahead of the announcement, prompting debate among fans about whether the uncapped keeper deserves the nod.

Former North Korea striker Jong Tae-se, once a star of the 2010 World Cup squad, says he wants to become a football manager. After experiencing what he calls a midlife crisis, he has returned to the touchline in Japan's JFL, describing the life there as a mix of the heaven and hell he longed for. Japanese media have picked up his interview about his coaching ambitions.

US existing-home sales increased in September compared with August, but remained below levels from a year earlier. The slowdown is being linked to mortgage rates and home prices that are higher than at the same point last year, keeping affordability tight for buyers even as monthly activity picked up. Coverage is focused on what the figures signal about the housing market heading into the final months of the year.

Meta has reportedly acquired a robotics AI company in a move aimed at accelerating its development of humanoid robots. The deal, picked up by market chat and news trackers, signals Meta's intent to push further into physical AI beyond its social media and mixed-reality businesses. Details such as the target company's name and price have not been confirmed, and reaction so far has been limited to the initial report.

The ZDF Fernsehgarten is on the move: presenter Andrea Kiewel will host 'Fernsehgarten on tour' on October 11, and TV Spielfilm has published the list of stars set to appear. The live outdoor show, usually based in Mainz, takes its mix of music and entertainment to a different location for the occasion. Viewers searching for today's live broadcast are also picking up news of the touring edition and its announced line-up.

UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones has spoken publicly about the biggest regret of his legendary mixed martial arts career, in comments picked up by combat sports outlets. Jones, widely considered one of the greatest fighters in UFC history, reflected on a decision or moment he wishes he could change. Fans are debating his remarks, weighing them against his record of titles across two weight divisions and the controversies that have marked his career.

The internet radio station 90s Mixed is currently playing "Home Improvement (Theme Song)" by Mellow Owl, sharing the track with listeners through its live stream and TuneIn page. The station, which focuses on 1990s music, highlighted the novelty TV theme pick as part of its ongoing mix of decade-spanning hits.

Spanish sports daily Diario AS reports that a former Premier League footballer abandoned his Porsche at a train station in Spain for five months, billing it as the ultimate parking fail. The story has been picked up for its mix of a familiar football name and an absurdly long parking lapse, with readers amused by how such an expensive car could be forgotten for so long.

With few spectators in the stands at a cricket match in South Australia, viewers are noting how much more of the on-field sound comes through on the broadcast microphones. Commentators' chatter, player noises and stump-mic audio are clearer than usual, and some listeners are even picking apart the audio mixing decisions made by the broadcast producers during the quiet passages of play.

New research suggests that the mix of bacteria living in a person's gut could affect how many calories the body absorbs from food. The finding may help explain why people eating similar diets can gain weight at different rates, and could eventually shape personalised approaches to nutrition and weight management. Health and nutrition outlets are picking up the story.

The Year One DLC roster for Marvel Tokon has been confirmed, with Venom, Thor and Jubilee among the characters set to join the fighting game post-launch. The announcement gives players a clearer picture of the game's first-year content plans, and fans are weighing in on the mix of heavy hitters and more unexpected picks like Jubilee.