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The contest to select the next United Nations secretary-general is under way, with candidates being scrutinised for their ability to act as the world's 'mediator-in-chief'. Commentators say the race highlights the severe crises facing the organisation, from wars to diplomatic gridlock, and raises questions about whether the UN can still play a central role in resolving global conflicts.

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.

The trial of Lindsay Clancy, a Massachusetts mother accused of killing her three young children in 2023, is renewing public attention on maternal mental health. Coverage and commentary are focusing on postpartum mental illness, the pressures facing new mothers, and how the justice and healthcare systems respond to similar cases.

The Guardian has published an interactive feature arguing that democratic processes are catching Silicon Valley's AI leaders off guard as they push to transform the world with artificial intelligence. The piece ties together debates over AI development, datacenters and power, suggesting tech executives underestimated public and political resistance to their plans. It is drawing attention among technology and politics readers weighing how far democratic institutions can shape the AI race.

The Wall Street Journal looks at how investors might spot the turning point when the AI-driven stock rally begins to deflate. The piece weighs signals that historically mark the end of speculative booms, as markets debate whether AI-related valuations have run ahead of actual earnings and productivity gains.

Spotify Technology is facing a fresh valuation test as investors weigh how much of the company's growth story now rests on podcasts and audiobooks rather than music streaming alone. The company has been pushing to diversify revenue beyond its core music business, expanding spoken-word content and subscription tiers, and markets are reassessing what that expansion means for the stock's worth.

Major League Baseball's regular season reaches its final day, with playoff seeding, division titles, and wild card spots still to be decided across multiple races. Fans and analysts are weighing which teams will clinch berths and how the outcomes will shape the postseason bracket heading into October.

The Philadelphia Phillies' grip on a playoff berth is under scrutiny after a recent slump allowed the surging Arizona Diamondbacks back into the National League wild-card race. Analysts note the once-comfortable lead has turned messy, with fans and sports media debating whether Philadelphia could still blow its postseason spot in the season's final stretch.

MLB's playoff race is in its final stretch, with fans tracking live standings across every division. Attention is on the wild card chases and the division tiebreakers that could decide seeding in the postseason bracket. As teams fight for the last spots, every game carries weight, and outlets are running live updates on how the bracket would look if the season ended today.

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.

Bitcoin rose to $84,508.13 after briefly dropping below the $84,000 level, recovering roughly in step with a 1% gain in the total cryptocurrency market capitalisation. Traders attribute the rebound to continued institutional buying of spot Bitcoin ETFs, which has remained a key source of demand even as prices fluctuate around the $84,000 mark.

The final days of the MLB regular season are deciding playoff brackets and seeding, with the Philadelphia Phillies, Arizona Diamondbacks, Texas Rangers and Houston Astros all fighting for spots. Fans are tracking live standings updates as wild-card races and division outcomes remain unresolved heading into the postseason.

The Charlotte Hornets have waived a point guard who once recorded 23 assists in a single NBA game. The move frees up a roster spot for the franchise as it reshapes its backcourt. The player's single-game assist total remains one of the more notable individual performances by a recent Hornet, making the decision a talking point among NBA fans.

MLB's 2026 playoff race is tightening, with the AL West division title and an NL wild card spot still up for grabs, according to FOX Sports' updated playoff picture and standings. Fans are tracking the final standings as teams battle for postseason positioning in both leagues.

The latest Halloween sequel, which moved away from John Carpenter's original creative approach, has reached the number one spot at the global box office. The film's debut has drawn attention from horror fans and critics, with discussion focused on whether its break from the franchise's roots helped or hurt it, and on its strong commercial performance despite divided reviews.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.