The Last First

NASA's Artemis II mission is set to return astronauts to the Moon for the first time since Apollo 17 in 1972, prompting questions about why the gap lasted more than five decades. Commentators point to shifting political priorities, soaring costs, and the cancellation of earlier programs like Constellation as reasons the US pause extended so long.

China's top diplomat Wang Yi told former Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya that relations between Beijing and Tokyo must be "normalized," during their talks. The meeting is the first high-level exchange since relations plummeted over Taiwan last year, and is being read as an early signal that both sides may be looking to stabilise a badly strained diplomatic relationship.

The UEFA Nations League is back in the spotlight, with Xavi earning his first win as Netherlands head coach and Denmark beating Wales. England are preparing for a Wembley showdown against world champions Spain, who won on their last Wembley visit thanks to a single goal. Midfielder Elliot Anderson said 'there's no better game' ahead of the clash, as fixtures draw attention across Europe and Latin America.

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 following the final 30 overs of the match. Fans are tracking the action closely as the fixture draws heavy attention, with strong engagement around the live coverage and discussion of how the series opener is unfolding.

A year after Giorgio Armani's death, Milan is showcasing the fashion house's business and creative evolution. The presentation highlights how the brand has developed its identity and operations since the passing of its founder, underlining his lasting influence on Italian fashion and the company's future direction.

Sports betting analysts released last-minute picks for NFL Week 3, highlighting the Seattle Seahawks covering comfortably in quarterback Sam Darnold's return against his former team, while the Las Vegas Raiders dropped their first game of the season. The roundup gave bettors final guidance on spreads and outcomes ahead of kickoff.

A wave of cooling is moving into Siberia, with forecasters warning that the last weekend of September will bring temperatures of up to +7°C and rain to Krasnoyarsk. The abrupt end to the mild weather is drawing attention as residents prepare for autumn's first real chill and discuss the sharp temperature drop.

Virat Kohli has signalled his intent to play the 2027 ODI World Cup, describing it as his last and speaking of unfinished business with India. The comments point to the 37-year-old extending his international career for another two years as he chases a first 50-over world title since 2011, when he was part of the winning squad.

A top prospect in the upcoming NFL Draft has been handed an indefinite suspension following an outburst during his team's loss to Alabama. The report, first carried by Fox News, gives no further details on who the player is, what triggered the outburst, or how long the suspension might last, leaving teams and fans awaiting clarification.

French player Corentin Jacquet has reached his first ATP Tour semi-final at the tournament in Hangzhou, China, marking a career milestone. Former world No. 1 Daniil Medvedev also progressed, fighting through to the last four. The results set up an intriguing end to the week, with the rising Frenchman now facing the biggest test of his career against more established opposition.

German media report concern for Princess Alexandra of Kent, a first cousin of the late Queen Elizabeth II and great-cousin of King Charles III, after she abruptly cancelled planned appearances. The 88-year-old princess, whose official name is Alexandra Lady Ogilvy, is one of the last senior working members of the extended royal family, prompting speculation about her health.

Morocco's King Mohammed VI has appointed Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri as head of government on Tuesday, following her party's victory in last week's legislative elections. The appointment, announced by the royal cabinet, is a historic first for the country, marking the first time a woman has been named to lead Morocco's government.

Motor racing fans are being invited to get to know Sepang, the sweeping Malaysian circuit prized for its flowing layout, whether they are first-time viewers or long-time followers of the sport. The message mixes references to Formula 1 and the Bahrain Grand Prix even though Sepang last hosted an F1 race in 2017 and now chiefly holds MotoGP rounds, prompting some confusion among followers.

Authorities are set to resume the search Sunday for a man who went missing after being last seen in the ocean at Robert Moses State Park on Long Island. The news was first reported by News12, with reports appearing on both its Long Island and New Jersey outlets. Details about the man's identity or the circumstances of his disappearance have not yet been released.

Christa Pike (50) is set to be executed in Tennessee after her final appeal was rejected. The execution would be the first of its kind in the state in more than 200 years, drawing wide attention in Dutch media, including De Telegraaf. Pike was convicted of a notorious murder, and debate over her case has continued for decades.

Apple TV is releasing 'The Last First,' a production depicting an extreme winter ascent of K2, the world's second-highest mountain. The item is being shared among Japanese-language television audiences, with interest centred on the mountain's notoriously harsh winter conditions and the climbers who attempt the rare feat of reaching its summit in that season.

Greg Keeley is no longer with SMBC Americas, leaving his role as chief operating officer, according to an internal email sent to staff on Monday. Keeley joined the banking group's Americas operations only last year. News of the abrupt exit, first reported by Banking Dive, is drawing attention from finance industry watchers discussing leadership changes at the Japanese bank's US arm.

Enrico Fermi, the Italian-American physicist, was born 125 years ago. Known as the architect of the world's first nuclear reactor and a pioneer of quantum theory and particle physics, Fermi won the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1938. Anniversary coverage recalls his central role in developing the first nuclear chain reaction and his lasting influence on modern physics.

Motorsport strategist Ruth Buscombe says she is flying to Kuala Lumpur for what she calls the first and last ever Bahrain Grand Prix held in Malaysia, describing the country as a special place full of memories from her first race there. Her remark has puzzled and amused fans, as the Bahrain Grand Prix is traditionally held in Bahrain.

The Chicago White Sox are back in Houston for the 2026 AL Wild Card Series, playing at the stadium where they clinched the 2005 World Series — their last playoff series win. Juan Uribe, Paul Konerko and Bobby Jenks starred on October 26, 2005, and the club says it is focused on the present rather than history as it chases its first postseason series victory in two decades.

A judge has granted Florida basketball guard Denzel Aberdeen a fifth year of eligibility through an injunction, clearing the way for him to return to college basketball. Aberdeen spent his first three seasons at Florida before playing for Kentucky last season. The ruling has fueled debate over whether Florida, already a national title contender, could enter next season as the preseason No. 1 team.

Forecasters expect continued sunshine through mid-week, with rain and thunderstorm chances moving back into the region on Thursday. Residents are being advised to enjoy the dry, clear conditions while they last and keep an eye on updated forecasts as the midweek approaches for changes to timing and severity of the incoming weather.