The Last First

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 playing the first one-day international of their 2026 series, with live score updates and commentary focused on the final 30 overs of the match. Cricket fans are following the game closely in large numbers, engaging heavily with live coverage as the contest reaches its decisive stages.

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.

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.

The Cleveland Browns beat the Pittsburgh Steelers in an AFC North showdown on Thursday Night Football, holding off a late Pittsburgh fightback to win on a last-gasp 56-yard field goal. Aaron Rodgers connected with DK Metcalf on a 43-yard strike to move the Steelers into scoring territory, but Cleveland's defense held firm. The matchup, billed as a winner-takes-first contest in the division, drew heavy interest and betting attention.

Weather watchers in Germany are tracking an abrupt turn in conditions, with WetterOnline reporting that the west is seeing its last unusually warm day before colder air moves in. Forecasts point to a sharp temperature drop and the first snow of the season for many regions, prompting people to discuss the coming wintry change and plan for icy roads and travel disruption.

New Datafolha surveys on a Lula versus Flávio Bolsonaro matchup are drawing attention days before Brazil's presidential election first round, prompting outlets to explain when the final polls come out and how reliable they are. Brazilian voters are closely tracking the last polling numbers before the vote, with coverage from CartaCapital, G1 and the BBC focused on what the final snapshots of the race show.

Bus drivers employed by First Student who serve Princeton City Schools in Ohio are set to go on strike after contract negotiations stalled. The work stoppage could disrupt transportation for district students while the company and drivers remain at odds over terms of a new agreement. Local residents are watching closely, with families facing potential last-minute changes to how students get to school if the strike proceeds.

Tennessee is set to execute Christa Pike, who would become the first woman put to death in the state in more than 200 years. The US Supreme Court denied her final bid for a stay, leaving her out of appeals. Pike, the lone woman on Tennessee's death row, says she is at peace and has asked to die by firing squad rather than lethal injection.

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.

The US Supreme Court has cleared the way for Tennessee to execute the only woman on its death row, rejecting a last-minute intervention in her case. The decision ends her appeals for now, meaning the state can move forward with a punishment that would make her the first woman executed in Tennessee in decades.

The Guardian has published a review of The Last First, a documentary about a winter ascent race on K2, the world's second-highest mountain. The review describes how the climb exposed the fatal consequences of the climbers' flaws, highlighting the deadly risks of high-altitude mountaineering in winter conditions on the Pakistan peak.

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.

Science fiction readers are remembering Alfred Bester, the American author who died on September 30, 1987. Born in 1913, Bester was also a magazine editor and comic scriptwriter, but is best known for novels including The Demolished Man, which won the first Hugo Award in 1953, and The Stars My Destination. Fans are recalling his lasting influence on the genre.

The Ethernet specification was first drafted on this day in 1980 by Digital Equipment Corporation, Intel, and Xerox, establishing the networking standard years before the public internet existed. Commenters are marking the milestone by noting how the technology has endured, with Ethernet ports still considered a desirable feature on desktop PCs alongside long-lasting connectors like the 3.5mm audio jack.

The Meyer Theatre in Green Bay has announced a batch of new bookings, including a stop from the Bored Teachers comedy tour, dueling piano act Deuces Wild, and folk-bluegrass group The Last Revel. The announcement gives local audiences a look at the venue's upcoming season, mixing touring comedy with live music acts popular in the region.