The First Out

SpaceX is preparing its Starship megarocket for its first-ever launch to orbit, scheduled for today, September 28. The flight, which will be streamed live, marks a major milestone for the world's most powerful rocket and for SpaceX's long-term ambitions in deep space exploration. Space enthusiasts and industry watchers are following the countdown closely.

Ukraine has sent grenade-launcher equipped ground robots to attack Russian shelters while its infantry stayed out of direct contact, with operators controlling the assault from positions tens of kilometers away. Ukraine's Third Army Corps said no one has used similar tactics in this war before, and United24 reported the operation. The attack highlights how unmanned systems are increasingly replacing troops in frontline assaults.

Germany has committed for the first time to phasing out fossil fuels, setting a target date of 2045. The pledge, reported by the Guardian, marks a significant step in the country's climate policy and is being discussed internationally as one of the most ambitious national commitments to ending fossil fuel dependence.

SpaceX launched Starship on its first orbital flight test, a milestone for the company's biggest and most powerful rocket. The flight drew wide attention as a major step toward deep-space travel. Details about how the test unfolded remain limited, and reaction so far has focused on the significance of the launch itself.

The Dutch government is developing an alternative software ecosystem based on NixOS after US sanctions related to the International Criminal Court made Microsoft products unavailable to it. Trial programs are already running, with a first release expected at the end of 2027. Commenters are debating the move as a striking example of geopolitics pushing a US ally toward open-source alternatives.

Jack Smith, the former special counsel who led the federal investigations into Donald Trump, is testifying to the Senate. It is being treated as a significant moment, as it offers lawmakers and the public a rare direct account from the prosecutor behind the most consequential criminal cases of recent years. Reaction online is focused on what his testimony could reveal about those investigations and the decisions surrounding them.

The San Diego Padres and Chicago Cubs are meeting in Game 1 of the National League Wild Card Series, with first pitch scheduled for 10 p.m. ET and coverage on Peacock and NBCSN. Lineups and pregame details have been published, and fans are following the matchup as the MLB postseason begins in Chicago.

England claimed their first UEFA Nations League win with a 2-0 away victory over Czechia, with Anthony Gordon and Harry Kane scoring the goals under manager Thomas Tuchel. Match reports credit Gordon and Kane as standouts in a comfortable performance, though Tuchel faces injury concerns after Ezri Konsa and Nico O'Reilly missed training before the game. The result is drawing attention across Europe and beyond.

The European Commissioner for Health launched Europe's first Screening Week from Milan, promoting preventive health checks across the continent. The campaign is drawing attention to screenings such as blood glucose (glicemia) tests, which can catch diabetes and other conditions early. It highlights a wider EU push to make early diagnosis a public health priority.

Luke Littler has been knocked out in the first round of the World Grand Prix darts tournament, falling at the opening hurdle in a surprise defeat. The young star's early exit is drawing attention from darts fans and sports media, with discussion focused on the upset result and what it means for one of the sport's biggest names.

Brazilian broadcaster Band has scheduled the first televised debate between the two candidates in a potential second round of the presidential election for October 11. The announcement is drawing attention as campaigns and viewers look ahead to a possible runoff, with broadcast debates traditionally playing a decisive role in Brazilian presidential runoffs.

Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham has publicly criticised Scottish First Minister John Swinney over a comment Swinney made concerning the Prime Minister. The exchange has drawn attention as both figures are seen as significant voices within their parties, and the spat adds to ongoing friction between Labour and the SNP over constitutional and leadership questions.

The NBA is reportedly close to choosing a winning bid for a Las Vegas expansion team, with three finalist groups in the running. If confirmed, it would mark the league's first expansion since 2004 and add a franchise in one of America's fastest-growing sports markets, following the successful NFL and NHL moves to the city.

US sanctions on the International Criminal Court bar it from using US-based software, and the Netherlands, which hosts the ICC in The Hague, is responding by moving off Microsoft products. Dutch authorities are trialling a NixOS-based software ecosystem as an alternative, with trial programs now underway and a first release expected at the end of 2027.

CBS Sports predicts the first NFL coaching change of 2026, naming Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles and Los Angeles Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh as those in greatest danger of losing their jobs. The analysis assesses which sideline leaders are under the most pressure early in the 2026 cycle.

A US Senator from Washington state is spearheading the first federal effort to regulate college sports, according to regional reporting. The move would bring national oversight to a field long governed by the NCAA and state-level laws, touching issues like athlete compensation and NIL rights. Details of the proposal remain limited, but the involvement of federal lawmakers marks a notable shift in the college athletics debate.

San Diego State is reportedly dealing with a mumps outbreak as the university prepares for its first Pac-12 conference game. The outbreak raises questions about player availability and whether the game could be affected. Details on the number of cases or affected teams have not been confirmed by the school or athletic department.

A fitness enthusiast has posted the workout of the day, nicknamed the Pain Cave: three rounds of 21 front squats with a 15kg bar and 21 American kettlebell swings at 16kg, capped at 21 minutes with short rests. They swapped thrusters for front squats after shoulder trouble mid-session and logged the sweat and grind for fellow gym fans.

REVL Training, described as Asia-Pacific's fastest-growing fitness franchise, has launched in the United States. The expansion marks the brand's first move beyond its home region, entering a crowded American fitness market where franchise-based group training concepts are competing for members and investors. Fitness industry watchers are tracking whether the brand's growth momentum can carry over to the U.S.

A nutrition roundup from Men's Journal lists high-protein foods that pair well with a morning coffee, aimed at readers looking to boost protein intake at breakfast. Items typically include eggs, Greek yogurt, cottage cheese and protein bars alongside the morning brew. The feature fits the ongoing trend of prioritizing protein at the first meal of the day.